COURT BEGINS TRIAL OVER KIDNAP OF 20 NYSC MEMBERS

Court proceedings have begun in Imo State over the alleged kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to their orientation camps.

The Department of State Services brought three defendants—Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali—before the court in connection with the abduction.

The prospective corps members were reportedly seized on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway while heading to camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. They regained their freedom after several days in captivity.

According to court reports, the defendants face allegations involving abduction, hostage-taking, ransom collection and illegal possession of firearms. All three pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Ekezie Nwauzo, asked the court to allow the defendants to remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings. Justice Emeka Orafu granted the application.

Two other defendants were also arraigned over a separate alleged kidnapping incident. Their case should be distinguished from the charges involving the prospective corps members.

The court scheduled further hearings for October 22, 27, 28 and 29.

Defence lawyers emphasised that the accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution will be required to establish its allegations through evidence as the case proceeds.

The proceedings mark a step towards determining responsibility for an abduction that disrupted the young graduates’ journey to national service.