The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged members of the Ansaru terrorist group before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The terrorists were arraigned in connection with the May 15 abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as the murder of two victims.
The defendants identified as Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge encompassing terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorism, and concealing information.
Federal prosecutors allege that Muhammad and Abbas directed foot soldiers of the Al-Qaeda-linked group to execute kidnappings and killings to pressure the government into meeting operational demands.
The charges specifically link the suspects to the decapitation of two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, following the mass abduction.
Presiding Judge Salim Ibrahim ordered the defendants remanded in DSS custody pending trial, granting them access to legal counsel, family members, and medical care. The court adjourned the case until September 25 for trial.
The charges stem from the May 15 assault on three schools in Oriire LGA, where approximately 46 pupils and teachers were abducted. While most victims were subsequently rescued by security forces after nearly two months in captivity, two perished.
In a related development, a committee of active and retired academics from the University of Ibadan donated approximately N6 million to support the rescued victims, teachers, and bereaved families. Presented at the Office of the Inspector-General of Education in Ogbomoso, the relief fund aims to assist the ongoing rehabilitation and psychological recovery of the survivors.
