Five suspected members of the Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, were arraigned by the Department of State Services on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the May 15 kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area and the purported murder of two victims.

Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara'a and Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam and Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, popularly known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar are the defendants.

They entered a not guilty plea to six charges that included conspiracy, aiding terrorism, concealing information, and verging on terrorism.

The Federal Government claimed in the accusation FHC/ABJ/CR/438/2026 that Muhammad and Abbas gave Ansaru terrorist organization members orders to abduct and murder victims wherever in the nation if they were detained in order to force the government to comply with their demands.

In the second count, the prosecution further claimed that Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye were killed as a result of the kidnapping.

The charge stated in part, ”…after above kidnap on 15th May, 2026 at Orire LGA, Oyo State, did cause the death of two persons, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, by decapitating them.”

Dr. Caliatus Eze, the prosecution's attorney, requested that the court remand the defendants in the DSS's protective custody while they awaited trial after their plea.

The application was approved by Justice Salim Ibrahim, who also mandated that the defendants be placed into DSS custody.

The judge ordered that they get proper medical care and unrestricted access to their attorneys and two members of their immediate family.

He then postponed the start of the trial until September 25.

Source