The Department of State Services (DSS) is expected to re-arraign five men today, Thursday, September 17, over their alleged involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The case relates to the May 15 incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during which pupils and teachers were abducted and two victims were subsequently killed, according to court reports. The Federal Government filed a six-count amended charge against the five defendants, who are alleged by the authorities to be members of the Ansaru terrorist group. The re-arraignment was initially expected to take place on Wednesday but was postponed after the first defendant objected to being represented by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council. The defendants reportedly requested the continued representation of their previous lawyer, Bala Dakum. The prosecution acknowledged that the defendants’ constitutional right to counsel of their choice should be respected. Justice Saliu Ibrahim subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday and directed that the accused persons should have access to their lawyer to prepare their defence. The case is being closely watched because it concerns the safety of schoolchildren and teachers and the wider security situation surrounding abductions in Nigeria. The re-arraignment is expected to provide the next major development in the legal proceedings.
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