DSS Arraigns Five Suspects Over Abduction of 20 NYSC Corps Members
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri–Onitsha Road.
The suspects were brought before a court presided over by Justice Emeka Orafu, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, including abduction, hostage-taking, ransom collection and illegal possession of firearms.
Three of the defendants, identified as Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, face a three-count charge bordering on abduction and hostage-taking, the collection of ₦48 million and foreign currency as ransom, and illegal possession of firearms.
The other two defendants, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms.
The defendants were also accused of abducting Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and another victim on October 4, 2026. They equally pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
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Following their arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, filed an application seeking an order for the defendants to remain in DSS custody. Justice Orafu granted the application.
Nnaemeka Adipuo represented the first and second defendants in the case involving the abduction of corps members, while Paschal Ofoma appeared for the third defendant.
The court adjourned the cases to October 22 and October 27, 28 and 29 for further proceedings.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, defence counsel Adipuo and Ofoma stressed that the defendants were presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The arraignment follows reports that about 20 corps members were abducted on October 1 while travelling along the Owerri–Onitsha Road to NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
The victims were reportedly released after spending about six days in captivity and subsequently reunited with their families.
The ongoing court proceedings are expected to determine the allegations against the five defendants in accordance with the law.
By PRNigeria
