A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told an Imo State High Court how three men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were identified by victims and a bus driver.
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The witness, Ikechukwu Emmanuel, who investigated the incident, gave the account as proceedings began against the three defendants accused of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms in suit number HOU/22C/2026.
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The defendants are Usman Aliyu, also known as Chonge; Babangida Aliyu; and Mohamed Ali, alias Smallie Pepper.
Testifying before Justice Emeka Orafu, Emmanuel said the incident occurred at about 6.30am on October 1, 2026, when the 20 prospective corps members were travelling in two buses from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
He told the court that armed men carrying AK-47 rifles attacked the buses and abducted all 20 passengers, taking them into the bush.
According to the witness, security agencies in Imo State, including the DSS, launched operations using human and technical intelligence to locate the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
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He said the hostages were eventually released after the payment of the ransom demanded by their abductors, while investigations continued.
Emmanuel further testified that intelligence reports indicated that the suspects had moved to Rivers and Abia states. The three defendants were subsequently arrested between October 10 and 14, 2026.
Explaining how the suspects were identified, the DSS operative said they were placed among 10 other people during an identification parade. He told the court that the victims and one of the bus drivers identified the defendants.
The witness also said Usman Aliyu stated in his confessional statement that 11 people participated in the abduction.
The Imo State Director of Public Prosecutions, Martins Udolwu, led the prosecution team, while Nnaemeka S.C. Adipo and Paschal Ofoma represented the defendants.
After Emmanuel completed his evidence-in-chief, Justice Orafu adjourned the case to October 27, 28 and 29, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
The judge urged the defence to be ready to cross-examine the witness immediately after his evidence-in-chief, saying he wanted the trial concluded without extending into the new year.
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