The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Justice Salim Ibrahim delivered the judgment on Thursday after the defendants pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences connected to the kidnapping. The court ruled that their life sentences would take effect from the date of their arrest.
The convicts are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also called Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, popularly known as Abu Itisar.
They were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information and other related offences.
During the trial, all three admitted to being members of Darul Salam, a group linked to the outlawed terrorist organisation Ansaru. They also confessed to withholding information about the planning and execution of the school abduction in Oriire.
In addition to the general charges, Abdulrazak Umar pleaded guilty to receiving terrorist training, transmitting operational instructions and encouraging the activities of the terrorist group.
Defence counsel appealed to the court for leniency, arguing that the defendants were first-time offenders who had accepted responsibility by pleading guilty. The lawyer also urged the court to consider their family circumstances, noting that they have wives, children and elderly parents who depend on them.
The prosecution opposed the plea, insisting that the defendants knowingly concealed vital information about terrorist activities despite being aware of those involved. According to the prosecution, they failed in their duty to report the planned attack to security agencies.
After reviewing the facts and the guilty pleas, Justice Ibrahim convicted the three men and sentenced each of them to life imprisonment.
Reacting to the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), described the conviction as a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
He said the judgment demonstrates that those involved in terrorism and other violent crimes will be held accountable, while reaffirming the commitment of the judiciary and security agencies to protecting lives and ensuring justice for victims.
The Oriire school abduction sparked nationwide outrage when it occurred, raising fresh concerns over the safety of schools and the growing threat of insecurity in parts of the country. Thursday’s judgment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to deter terrorism and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
