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. The convicts pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.
The men, identified as Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani, were convicted of conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, concealing information about terrorists and belonging to the proscribed Darul Salam sect, linked to the Ansaru terrorist group.
Although defence counsel urged the court to show mercy because they were first-time offenders who had expressed remorse, the prosecution argued that they knowingly concealed information about the kidnapping plot and failed to alert security agencies.
Justice Salim Ibrahim rejected the plea for leniency and ruled that the convicts should serve life imprisonment from the date of their arrest.
The case stemmed from the May 15, 2026 abduction of 39 pupils and six teachers from three schools in Oriire. The victims were rescued on July 10 after a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and other security agencies.
Following the rescue, the Federal Government charged several suspects with terrorism offences, accusing them of collaborating with members of the outlawed Darul Salam sect and assisting the kidnapping operation.
Reacting to the judgment, the Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Adeoye, argued that the convicts deserved the death penalty rather than life imprisonment, saying it would serve as a stronger deterrent against kidnappers and terrorists.
Another traditional ruler, the Elerepamo of Pamo, Oba Ayobami Ogunmakin, said the government acted within the law, while some residents also expressed disappointment, insisting the punishment did not match the severity of the crime.
