Court Sentences Three to Life Imprisonment Over Oyo School Kidnapping

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their roles in the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Justice Salim Ibrahim handed down the sentence after the defendants—Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani, alias Abu Itisar—pleaded guilty to some of the charges filed against them by the Federal Government. The court ordered that their life sentences take effect from the date of their arrest. The three defendants were arraigned on terrorism-related charges, including kidnapping, concealing information, incitement, and illegal mining. While they denied some of the allegations, they admitted guilt on several counts during the trial. According to court documents, the convicted men acknowledged withholding information about those responsible for the school attack. Prosecutors also alleged that they were members of Darul Salam, a group the Nigerian government says is affiliated with the terrorist organisation Ansaru. One of the convicts, Abdulrazak Umar, also admitted to additional charges and was accused of using a WhatsApp group to provide ideological training and instructions to members of the group. The convictions come shortly after the Federal Government announced the rescue of 44 pupils and school staff who were abducted during the attack on three schools in Oriire on May 16, 2026. The incident claimed the life of one teacher during the attack, while another reportedly died while in captivity. During the sentencing, the prosecution urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, arguing that the offences were serious and posed a threat to national security. The court subsequently sentenced all three defendants to life imprisonment. The attack sparked nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools across the country. It also highlighted ongoing concerns about kidnapping and terrorism, which continue to pose significant security challenges in parts of Nigeria.