The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, which led to the killing of two victims.
The defendants, Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, pleaded not guilty to charges including terrorism, conspiracy, and aiding terrorist activities.
According to the Federal Government, the suspects allegedly ordered the kidnapping and killing of victims to pressure authorities into meeting their demands. Prosecutors said the attack, carried out in Oriire Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye.
The court remanded the suspects in DSS custody pending trial, granting them access to legal counsel, family members, and medical care. The case was adjourned to September 25.
The attack targeted three schools in Oriire, where about 46 pupils and teachers were abducted. Most victims were later rescued after weeks in captivity.
In a related development, staff of the University of Ibadan donated ₦6 million to support the rescued victims and families of those killed. The donors said the gesture was to aid recovery and show solidarity, noting that many survivors continue to face psychological trauma.
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