Five suspected Ansaru members arraigned over Oyo school abduction
Five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group have been arraigned by the Department of State Services before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects, including Mahmud Muhammad, Abbas Mukhtar, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, pleaded not guilty to charges related to terrorism and abduction. The case involves the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and the killing of two victims. Members of the University of Ibadan community have also donated to support the rescued victims and bereaved families.
What happened
- The DSS arraigned five suspected Ansaru members for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the killing of two victims.
- The suspects pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge, including terrorism, conspiracy, and aiding terrorism.
- The court ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody, with access to their lawyers, family, and medical care.
- The Federal Government has linked the attack to the Ansaru terrorist group, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated organisation.
- Staff of the University of Ibadan donated about N6m to the rescued victims and bereaved families, highlighting ongoing support and rehabilitation efforts.
