The Department of State Services, DSS, is set to re-arraign five suspected members of the Ansaru terrorist group over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State.

The suspects are accused of involvement in the May 15 abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, where two of the victims were later killed.

They are facing a six-count amended charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government.

Their re-arraignment was delayed on Wednesday after the first defendant objected to being represented by a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council.

The suspects instead requested that their previous lawyer, Bala Dakum, continue to represent them.

The prosecution agreed that the defendants have a constitutional right to choose their lawyer.

The Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently adjourned the case until Thursday and directed the DSS to give the suspects access to their lawyer.

The court also ordered the defendants to contact Dakum and ensure his presence for the re-arraignment.