A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences connected to the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State.
The convicts—Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani—were found guilty of offences linked to the May 15 attack on three schools in the Oriire area of Oyo State, during which about 40 pupils, seven teachers and a toddler were abducted by armed assailants.
According to court proceedings, the three defendants admitted to charges relating to terrorism, including concealing information about the planned kidnapping. Prosecutors also alleged that Abdulrazak Umar used social media platforms, including WhatsApp, to disseminate extremist ideology associated with the group involved in the attack.
The prosecution linked the convicted men to the Darul Salam group, which authorities described as having affiliations with the extremist group Ansaru. Investigators argued that the defendants provided support and failed to disclose information that could have prevented the attack.
Following their guilty pleas, the court sentenced all three men to life imprisonment, bringing to a close one phase of the prosecution arising from one of the country’s most high-profile school abduction cases.
The kidnapping sparked nationwide concern over the safety of schools and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect students and teachers, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The victims were later freed during a joint security operation on July 10, which authorities said involved multiple security agencies. Officials stated that several members of the armed group were killed during the operation, while the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued.
However, the incident claimed the life of one teacher, who reportedly died while in captivity, highlighting the severe human cost of the attack.
Despite securing convictions, the Department of State Services (DSS) indicated its intention to challenge the sentences, arguing that life imprisonment was not commensurate with the gravity of the offences. The agency is expected to pursue an appeal seeking stiffer punishment in accordance with applicable laws.
Legal analysts note that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legislation provides for severe penalties for offences involving terrorism, conspiracy and material support to terrorist organisations, with sentencing ultimately determined by the court based on the facts of each case.
Security experts say the judgment sends a strong signal that individuals who facilitate or support terrorist activities—even without directly participating in attacks—can be held criminally responsible under Nigerian law.
The case also underscores the continuing threat posed by armed extremist groups targeting educational institutions, despite intensified security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the country.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the convictions while calling for sustained investment in school security, intelligence gathering and community policing to reduce the risk of future attacks.
As the DSS prepares its appeal, the judgment marks another significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, hold offenders accountable and strengthen the protection of schools, students and educators nationwide.
