Federal Govt Arraigns Ansaru Commanders, 3 Others Over Oriire Kidnap

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned two commanders of the Ansaru terrorist organisation, 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 suspects were arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim, who adjourned the case until 24 September for the commencement of the trial. The court also ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The two Ansaru commanders, identified as 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.

Weeks ago, during the rescue operation that led to the release of the Oriire captives, DSS operatives arrested three additional suspects allegedly linked to both the terror attack and the Ansaru terrorist organisation.

The fresh arraignment comes despite an earlier judgment involving the two terror commanders.

Last week, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Abu Bara’a and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to some of the charges contained in a 32-count terrorism case, including membership of a terrorist organisation.

Following the judgment, indications emerged that the DSS was dissatisfied with aspects of the court’s decision and was considering an appeal.

In a fresh twist, however, the secret police on Wednesday brought new charges against the two commanders alongside the three newly arrested suspects, accusing them of involvement in terrorism-related activities, kidnapping, and the killing of the two teachers abducted during the Oriire attack.

The case is expected to resume on 24 September.

Last week, the Federal High Court Abuja had sentenced both Ansaru commanders to life imprisonment on counts 30 and 31, while imposing an additional 20-year prison term on the remaining counts. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the sentences on the other counts should 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 designated by the Nigerian government and widely regarded as an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).