The Federal Government has arraigned three men from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of terrorism, the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, recruitment and radicalisation for the Islamic State (ISIS) through WhatsApp, and illegal gold mining.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge filed by the Federal Government on July 17, 2027, bordering on conspiracy to commit terrorism, kidnapping, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, incitement, concealment of information, terrorism financing-related activities, and unlawful mining.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired with three other suspects identified as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab between January and May 2026 to mastermind the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The prosecution told the court that the school abduction, which attracted widespread national condemnation, was part of a coordinated terrorist operation allegedly carried out by members and collaborators of the extremist group.
Court documents further alleged that one of the defendants, Abdulrazak Umar, used the WhatsApp messaging platform to propagate ISIS ideology, provide operational guidance to members, recruit and encourage supporters, and promote activities linked to the terrorist organisation.
The Federal Government alleged that the WhatsApp platform served as a channel for spreading extremist messages and coordinating activities connected to the proscribed group, forming part of the evidence in the terrorism case.
In addition to the terrorism allegations, Abdulrazak Umar is accused of engaging in illegal gold mining at streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State without lawful authorisation, an offence the prosecution said contravenes Nigeria’s mining laws.
The prosecution maintained that the defendants’ actions contravene Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalises conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, as well as other provisions relating to terrorism, kidnapping, incitement and membership of outlawed organisations.
The Oriire school kidnapping remains one of the incidents that heightened public concern over the persistent attacks on educational institutions and the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating across parts of the country.
The Federal Government is expected to present documentary evidence and witnesses to substantiate the charges as the trial progresses.
The case was adjourned for further proceedings.