The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday re-arraigned five suspected members of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

The defendants Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani faced a seven-count amended charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, and murder.

According to the prosecution, the suspects coordinated the mass kidnapping from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State between 2025 and 2026.

The federal government alleged that leaders of the cell ordered foot soldiers to abduct and kill innocent citizens to pressure the government. The charge sheet also detailed the gruesome killing of two victims, Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, the latter of whom was decapitated.

Additionally, the defendants were accused of intentionally withholding information from security agencies regarding the planned terrorist attacks and school abductions, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read by the court registrar.

Following their plea, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, leading the DSS legal team, applied for an immediate trial under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He also requested witness protection measures, asking that prosecution witnesses be permitted to testify behind masks.

Counsel for the defendants, Bala Dakum, did not object to the applications.

Justice Salim Ibrahim granted the prosecution’s requests for trial and witness protection, and subsequently adjourned the matter to Friday, September 18, for the continuation of the hearing.