The trial of the five suspected kidnappers resumed at the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi, with the bus driver and another prosecution witness, Mr. Light Timothy, testifying against the defendants. The witnesses identified the suspects as the individuals who attacked the bus and abducted the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha expressway on October 1st.
The bus driver, who is the third witness in the case, told the court that he could clearly identify the first defendant as the person who approached his bus clutching an AK-47 rifle on the day of the attack. He stated that it was the first defendant he saw marching the 20 prospective NYSC members into the nearby bush after taking them hostage. The driver's testimony corroborated the evidence of Mr. Timothy, who also identified the suspects.
Mr. Timothy told the court that he saw two of the five suspects wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction. He also stated that he identified both men as those who attacked the bus at the identification parade conducted at the DSS state office. The witnesses maintained that they saw the defendants allegedly commit the crimes of conspiracy, hostage taking, and unlawful possession of arms.
Under cross-examination, the defence counsel demanded the identity card of the bus driver. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, confirmed that the colour photograph on the identity card presented by the driver looked very much like him. Thereafter, the testimonies of both witnesses, alongside the driver’s identity card, were admitted in evidence.
The trial judge, Justice Orafu, adjourned the trial to November 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026, for continuation of the hearing. The five suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and have been charged with conspiracy, hostage taking, and unlawful possession of arms. The case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the crime.
The kidnapping of the 20 prospective NYSC members occurred on October 1st, a significant date in Nigeria, marking the country's Independence Day. The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from various stakeholders. The NYSC is a mandatory one-year service program for Nigerian graduates, aimed at promoting national unity and development.
The case is ongoing, with the prosecution presenting its witnesses and evidence. The defence counsel has begun their cross-examination, and the court is expected to hear further testimony in the coming months.
Key points
- The bus driver and another witness have identified the five suspects arrested by the DSS as the individuals who kidnapped 20 prospective NYSC members in Imo State on Independence Day.
- The trial has been adjourned to November 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
- The suspects have been charged with conspiracy, hostage taking, and unlawful possession of arms.
