The Department of State Services has re-arraigned five men accused of involvement in the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The defendants were brought before the Federal High Court on an amended seven-count charge filed on behalf of the Federal Government. They are also accused of involvement in the killing of two victims connected with the incident.
Prosecutors further alleged that the defendants were members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, which is proscribed in Nigeria.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty. Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who led the prosecution, sought commencement of trial in accordance with criminal-procedure provisions.
The allegations remain for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt, and the defendants retain the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria
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