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 over alleged terrorism, kidnapping, and the murder of two teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants appeared before Justice Salim Ibrahim, who adjourned the matter until September 24 for the commencement of trial. The court also ordered that they remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The two Ansaru commanders, Abubakar Abba Mahmuda, popularly known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abbas, also known as Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, were arrested by DSS operatives in August 2025 during operations targeting the Mahmuda terrorist network.
During the recent rescue operation that secured the release of the Oriire kidnap victims, DSS operatives arrested three additional suspects allegedly linked to both the attack and the Ansaru terrorist organisation.
The fresh arraignment comes barely a week after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Abu Bara’a and Al-Nigeri to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges in a 32-count terrorism case, including membership of a terrorist organisation. The court also imposed additional 20-year prison terms on the remaining counts, with Justice Emeka Nwite ordering that the sentences take effect from the date of their arrest.
Following the judgment, indications emerged that the DSS was dissatisfied with aspects of the ruling and was considering an appeal.
In the latest development, the DSS filed fresh charges against the two convicted commanders alongside the three newly arrested suspects, accusing them of involvement in terrorism-related activities, the Oriire kidnapping, and the killing of the two abducted teachers.
The prosecution told the court that Abu Bara’a and Al-Nigeri 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).
The case has been adjourned until September 24 for trial.
