Some prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) kidnapped on Independence Day in Imo State, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, identified some suspects standing trial for kidnap and illegal possession of arms, as those who kidnapped them.
The identification took place at the resumed trial of five persons accused of the Independence Day kidnap of 20 prospective NYSC members, in Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri, the state capital.
The Court granted the application of the prosecution that the Corp members be masked and their identities concealed for security reasons.
The Corp members, who identified themselves before the Court as Miss A and Miss B respectively, identified the defendants as persons they saw on the 1st day of October, 2026 who took them hostage and stayed with them in the bush while armed.
In similar proceedings over conspiracy, kidnapping/hostage taking and unlawful possession of arms, the witnesses also identified the defendants as persons who took them hostage in the state.
While admitting the statements of the witnesses, the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu ruled that the documents were relevant and admissible in evidence for determination of the matter.
The prosecution informed the court that with the evidence of the Corp members, the prosecution has concluded its case and therefore announced the close of his case.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu thanked the counsels for his diligence and ordered that the DSS allow unrestrained access as allowed by law for the defence counsel to prepare their defence.
The Court therefore adjourned both matters to the 5th and 6th November for continuation, and for the suspects to open their defence.
