Video: Three bag life imprisonment over Oyo School abduction in Oriire
Abdullateef Fowewe
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their roles in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area.
Justice Salim Ibrahim handed down the sentences on Thursday, July 23, 2026, to Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar).
The life terms are to run from the date of their arrest.
The trio, all from Niger State, pleaded guilty to key charges, including membership in Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru and concealing information about the planning and execution of the kidnapping.
They were arraigned on a 10-count charge involving terrorism, kidnapping, incitement, and related offences.
On May 15, 2026, armed gunmen attacked three schools, Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA.
They abducted around 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The incident sparked national outrage, especially after the kidnappers released a video showing the beheading of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
Victims endured 56 days in captivity before a joint security operation rescued all remaining hostages on July 10, 2026.
No ransom was paid, according to official statements.
The three convicted men were not the primary gunmen but were linked through conspiracy, failure to report known terrorists (including alleged masterminds still at large), training and incitement activities, and other terrorism-related offences.
Eight suspected gang members were reportedly arrested in total following the rescue operation.
This verdict comes amid ongoing concerns over school attacks and banditry in parts of Nigeria.
The case highlights efforts by security agencies and the judiciary to hold accomplices and informants accountable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
