NYSC members kidnap: Suspects confess, beg court for forgiveness

Two individuals are currently on trial for the kidnapping of 20 National Youth Service Corps members on Independence Day in Imo State, according to a recent court appearance. Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, the first and second defendants respectively, admitted to making the statements and audiovisual confessions provided by the Department of State Services, DSS.

Both men, however, pleaded for the court's forgiveness. During cross-examination, they confirmed that they had indeed confessed and even signed the written statements. The material was presented in court by the DSS.

In a separate case, two additional defendants are being tried for conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms, stemming from a suspected kidnapping incident on October 4, 2026. A prosecution witness identified both defendants as the individuals who kidnapped him for ransom in the state during that time. The trial is ongoing, and the judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, has adjourned both matters to November 6th for further proceedings.