Ansaru Suspects Face Terrorism Charges in Abuja Court

On September 17, 2026, five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, were re-arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. The suspects—Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani—face a seven-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026.

They are accused of terrorism-related offences, including conspiracy to kidnap approximately 46 pupils and teachers from various schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State. The charges also include aiding the abduction, concealing information about an imminent terrorist attack, and causing the deaths of two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye.

The prosecution alleges that Muhammad and Abbas directed the other defendants to carry out these acts to compel the government to meet their demands. All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.