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 Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Justice Salem Ibrahim handed down the sentence after the convicts pleaded guilty to charges relating to concealing information about the masterminds of the kidnapping and belonging to Darul Salam, a group identified as an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist organisation, Ansaru.
The convicts; Abdulrazak Umar, Shamsudin Adamu and a third defendant, admitted to several counts filed by the Federal Government during the proceedings.
The court also heard that Abdulrazak Umar and Shamsudin Adamu pleaded guilty to providing training, issuing instructions and using a WhatsApp group known as “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to incite members to commit terrorist acts.
Umar further admitted to illegally mining gold in the Chaza area of Suleja Local Government Area in Niger State without lawful authorisation.
Speaking after the judgment, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), described the verdict as a major victory in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent crimes.
According to him, the suspects were arrested following investigations into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, after which they were arraigned before the Federal High Court.
Oyedepo explained that while the defendants pleaded guilty to several charges, they contested others, prompting the prosecution to present witnesses and documentary evidence, which the court relied upon in reaching its verdict.
He disclosed that trial on the remaining charges would continue on September 16 and 17.
The senior advocate said the judgment sends a strong warning that anyone who conceals information about criminal activities, even if committed by relatives or close associates, risks facing severe legal consequences.
He added that the decision reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring terrorists and their collaborators are held accountable.
The Oriire school abduction occurred when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oyo State.
During the attack, dozens of pupils, teachers and a school principal were abducted. A teacher was killed during the invasion, while another later died in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage.
More than 50 days after the incident, the Presidency announced that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued during a coordinated security operation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said eight members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested, while several others were neutralised. He added that the rescue operation was carried out without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands, including their request for the release of a notorious gang leader currently facing prosecution.
