NYSC Members’ Kidnap: Court Admits AK 47 Rifles, ConfessionalEvidence Tendered by DSS Against Suspects
A High Court of Imo State, on Tuesday, at the resumed trial of five persons accused of kidnapping 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members on Independence Day, admitted the
On Tuesday, a High Court in Imo State resumed the trial of five individuals accused of kidnapping 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members during Independence Day celebrations. The Court heard the continuation of evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the defendants.
The first principal witness, Ikem Emmanuel, testified that the defendants had confessed to conspiracy, hostage-taking, and unlawful possession of firearms. He presented an audiovisual recording of their confessions, as well as written statements, recovered firearms, and cash money seized from them. The presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, ruled that the firearms and money should be held in the custody of the DSS.
The witness affirmed that the defendants' confessions were obtained in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers. In a related case involving two additional suspects, a DSS officer testified about the investigation, stating that their confessions were also obtained under caution in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers. The officer provided evidence of the audiovisual recording of their statements and wrote statements, along with the cash recovered from them.
The trial judge, Justice Orafu, adjourned the proceedings to October 28th, 29th, and 30th for further hearing. He ordered that all five defendants remain in the custody of the DSS throughout this period.
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