23.7.2026
Three suspects linked to the kidnap of 44 Oyo State students and teachers Thursday pleaded guilty to charges of terrorism, kidnapping and concealment of information brought against them by the Department of State Services at a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Subsequently presiding judge Justice Salim Ibrahim slammed a life jail sentence on the suspects identified as Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa Bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.
Before the sentencing, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, urging Justice Ibrahim to impose lighter sentences.
The defence lawyer argued that the convicts were first-time offenders who had voluntarily pleaded guilty, describing their decision as evidence of genuine remorse.
He further told the court that all three were married with children and had elderly parents who depended on them for support.
According to him, most of the charges preferred against them were not directly related to the kidnapping itself, and he urged the court to give them another opportunity to rebuild their lives.
However, counsel for the prosecution opposed the plea for leniency, arguing that the convicts knowingly concealed information about terrorist activities despite being fully aware of those involved in the operation.
Oyo students kidnap suspects...sober up in court. Photo: Channels TV.