The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned two senior commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group and three other suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on terrorism, kidnapping and the murder of two teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The five defendants were arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim, who adjourned the case until September 24 for the commencement of trial. The judge also ordered that they remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The two Ansaru commanders, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abbas, alias Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, were arrested by DSS operatives in August 2025 during operations targeting the Mahmuda terrorist network.
Three other suspects allegedly linked to the Oriire attack and the Ansaru terrorist group were arrested by the DSS during the operation that led to the rescue of the abducted victims.
The fresh arraignment comes barely a week after another Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Abu Bara’a and Al-Nigeri to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to some of the charges in a 32-count terrorism case, including membership of a terrorist organisation.
Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced the duo to life imprisonment on counts 30 and 31 and imposed additional 20-year prison terms on the remaining counts, ordering that the sentences take effect from the date of their arrest.
According to the prosecution, the two men were among the most senior leaders of Ansaru, a terrorist group proscribed by the Nigerian government and widely regarded as an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Following the judgment, indications emerged that the DSS was dissatisfied with aspects of the court’s decision and was considering an appeal.
However, in a fresh development on Wednesday, the Federal Government filed new charges against the two convicted commanders alongside the three newly arrested suspects, accusing them of participating in terrorist activities, kidnapping and the murder of the two teachers abducted during the Oriire attack.
The case has been adjourned until September 24 for the commencement of trial.
