Corps members’ abduction: Court orders speedy trial of suspects

An Imo State High Court has scheduled four consecutive days for the trial of five suspected kidnappers, including three accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on Independence Day, in a bid to deliver judgment before January 2027.

Justice Emeka Orafu gave the directive on Thursday, urging prosecution and defence lawyers to cooperate with the court to ensure the cases are concluded without unnecessary delays.

The court fixed October 27, 28, 29 and 30 for the continuation of hearings in two separate kidnapping cases involving the five defendants.

During Thursday’s proceedings, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Ikem Emmanuel, testified on the investigation into the alleged abduction of the prospective corps members.

Emmanuel told the court that the investigation involved intelligence gathering, data analysis, record checks, interviews and statements from the defendants, victims and witnesses.

He said an identification parade was conducted, during which victims and witnesses allegedly identified the three defendants as members of the gang that abducted them.

The DSS operative further told the court that one of the defendants, Usman Aliyu, admitted in his statement to participating in the operation and allegedly disclosed that 11 people were involved.

He maintained that the defendants’ statements were obtained in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.

In a related case involving two other defendants accused of kidnapping, Emmanuel also testified about the investigation, stating that their statements were taken in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers.

Justice Orafu subsequently adjourned both cases to October 27–30 for further hearings and ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody.

The court urged all parties to ensure the proceedings progress swiftly towards a timely conclusion.