The Department of State Services, DSS, has re-arraigned five alleged leaders of the proscribed terrorist organisation, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru, over the alleged kidnapping of about 46 pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The defendants were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday on an amended seven-count terrorism charge relating to the May 15, 2026 attack.

The DSS alleged that the incident resulted in the death of Deacon John Olaleye, who was allegedly beheaded, and another victim, Michael Oyedokun.

The defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar; Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam or Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri; Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Abu Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

They each pleaded not guilty after the amended charge was read before Justice Salim Ibrahim.

According to the prosecution, Muhammad and Abbas allegedly directed the other defendants to carry out kidnappings and killings in different parts of Nigeria if they were arrested by the government.

The DSS alleged that the directive was intended to put pressure on the government to meet the group’s demands.

The prosecution further alleged that the instruction led to the abduction of pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Orire.

The charges were brought under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Among the allegations against the defendants are causing the deaths of Olaleye and Oyedokun, failing to disclose information about planned terrorist activities and aiding the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers.

The prosecution also alleged that three of the defendants, Umar, Musa and Sani, assisted other alleged members of the group in carrying out the Orire school abduction.

Following the defendants’ pleas, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who is leading the DSS legal team, asked the court to commence the trial immediately.

Oyedepo told the court that prosecution witnesses were available and ready to testify.

He also requested that the identities of the witnesses be protected by allowing them to testify while wearing masks.

Defence counsel Bala Dakum did not oppose the application.

Justice Ibrahim subsequently granted the request, permitting the prosecution witnesses to appear with their identities concealed during testimony.

The case will now proceed with the prosecution seeking to establish the allegations contained in the amended seven-count charge.