A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has heard disturbing testimony alleging that international terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda supported members of the proscribed Ansaru group in an attack involving the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
The evidence emerged on Monday, 12 October 2026, during the ongoing trial of five men accused of involvement in the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to Channels Television, a Department of State Services operative testified that the abductions were intended to pressure the Federal Government into releasing detained terrorist suspects.
Kidnapped Students Allegedly Used as Bargaining Tools
The prosecution witness, identified in court by the code BBB, told the Federal High Court that the attackers demanded the release of 30 leaders and members of their organisation.
According to the testimony, the group threatened to kill the kidnapped victims if the government refused to meet its demands.
The witness further alleged that Al-Qaeda provided support for the operation.
These assertions formed part of the prosecution’s evidence and should not be treated as judicial findings against the defendants at this stage.
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