The Department of State Services has re-arraigned five men accused of complicity in the may 15 kidnap of pupils and teachers in Oriire local government of Oyo state, and subsequent killing of two of the victims, before the federal high court sitting in Abuja.
The defendants accused of being members of the Jama’‘atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-biladis Sudan (Ansaru) terrorist group were arraigned on a-seven- count- charge which they pleaded not guilty to all.
Following their pleas of not guilty the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, leading the DSS legal team prayed for immediate date of commencement of trial in line with the provisions of the administration of the criminal justice act, 2015.
He also applied that names of witnesses to testify in the trial be shielded and be permitted to wear masks to ensure their protection.
Following no objections from the defence counsel Bala Dakum, justice Salim Ibrahim granted the request of the DSS counsel.
He equally adjourned the case to the October,18th 2026, and ordered that the suspects be remanded in the custody of the DSS.