DSS Arraigns Five Ansaru Members Over Oyo Abduction

On Wednesday, the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects are charged with the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, which allegedly led to the killing of two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye.

The defendants, Mahmud Muhammad, Abbas Mukhtar, Abubakar Abbas, Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge including terrorism and conspiracy. The prosecution claims that Muhammad and Abbas ordered kidnappings and killings to compel the government to meet their demands.

The court, presided over by Justice Salim Ibrahim, remanded the defendants in DSS custody until the next hearing on September 25, ensuring they have access to legal counsel and medical care.