Oriire kidnap trial opens as survivor testifies in Abuja court

The trial of five men accused over the Oriire school abduction has opened at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with a protected survivor giving evidence about the May 2026 attack. The case follows the earlier re-arraignment reported here.

The Department of State Services re-arraigned the defendants on an amended seven-count terrorism charge. Channels TV, Vanguard and Daily Post reported that all five pleaded not guilty before Justice Salim Ibrahim.

The defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar; Yunusa Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani. Prosecutors allege links to Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, a proscribed group.

The prosecution said the charges relate to the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the killing of two victims. Premium Times reported that the survivor, identified only by the code name AAA for protection, told the court school activities had just begun when gunmen invaded.

Daily Post reported that the witness said the victims were moved through several locations and held in harsh conditions before their rescue. The court granted the prosecution’s request to shield witness identities and allow protected witnesses to testify with masks.

The defence did not object to the protection request. The defendants remain accused persons, and the trial will determine the charges against them.

Sources: Channels TV, Vanguard, Daily Post, Premium Times