Three men convicted over their involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that the life sentence should take effect from the date of the convicts‘ arrest, according to Punch, citing Channels Television.
The convicts, Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa (Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (Abu Itisar), were found guilty on terrorism-related charges linked to the school abduction.
They were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining.
The Federal Government accused the trio of belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria. Prosecutors alleged they conspired with other suspects between January and May 2026 to facilitate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and concealed information about those responsible.
During the trial, all three defendants pleaded guilty to charges relating to concealing information about the attackers and admitted membership of Darul Salam. Umar also pleaded guilty to additional counts involving the provision of training and instructions to members through a WhatsApp platform titled The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace. They denied the remaining charges.
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants based on their guilty pleas.
Defence lawyers appealed for leniency, describing the men as first-time offenders who had shown remorse and highlighting their family responsibilities. However, the prosecution argued they knowingly failed to report information about the planned attack to security agencies.
Justice Ibrahim convicted the defendants and imposed life imprisonment.
The case stems from the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, where gunmen abducted 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers.
During the attack, Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was later murdered by his captors.
The remaining victims regained their freedom on July 10 after an intelligence-led military operation in the Old Oyo National Park. The Nigerian Army said 44 pupils and teachers were rescued, while eight suspected gang members were arrested.
The Presidency also stated that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made, despite the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦1 billion and the release of a detained commander.
