NYSC Members’ Kidnap: Two Defendants Admit DSS Confessional Statements, Beg Court for Forgiveness

Two men, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, faced trial on Thursday for the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State on Independence Day. The defendants, who were the first and second in the list of accused, admitted to making confessional statements to the Department of State Services (DSS). However, they pleaded for forgiveness from the court and requested their release.

During their defense, the defendants testified that they voluntarily provided the audio-visual confessional statements and printed the written statements while surrounded by their legal counsel. These statements and visual recordings were later presented as evidence by the DSS. Earlier, the defendants had requested the court's forgiveness and asked for their discharge and release in the conspiracy, hostage-taking, and unlawful possession of firearms charges.

Separately, the trial of two other defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of firearms continued on Thursday. Witnesses identified these two as the individuals responsible for abducting a person for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026. The judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until November 6 to continue the hearing.