20 Prospective Corps Members Abduction: Defence Closes Case As Judgment Looms

An Imo State High Court has fixed December 16, 2026, for judgment in the trial of three men accused of kidnapping 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Justice Emeka Orafu announced the date on Friday, November 6, after the defence lawyers closed their case in the trial involving Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali. The defendants are standing trial in suit number HOU/22C/2026 over their alleged involvement in the abduction.

The court’s decision followed the testimony of the third defence witness, Mohammed Ali, who denied having any knowledge of the alleged kidnapping. He told the court that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested him while he was sitting at Kara in Aba before taking him to Owerri, where he was detained.

During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Martins Udolwu, the witness disclosed that he was from Kogi State and had worked as a cattle rearer in Aba for approximately two years. He maintained that he did not enter forests, explaining that two boys usually took his cattle out in the morning and returned them in the evening.

Mohammed Ali also said he did not know the other defendants, although he acknowledged knowing the first defence witness, whom he occasionally saw at a mosque.

There was a brief exchange during the proceedings when the witness clarified his earlier claim that DSS operatives assaulted him before recording his audio-visual confessional statement. He initially said he was beaten but later explained that the operatives attempted to beat him without actually doing so.

He further informed the court that he made one statement and completed one form in the presence of his lawyer.

Following the closure of the defence’s case, Justice Orafu directed the defence to submit its final written address within seven days, beginning November 7. The prosecution was given five days from November 14 to file its response.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to November 24 for both parties to adopt their final written addresses before the court delivers its judgment on December 16.

The 20 prospective corps members were reportedly travelling to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were kidnapped.

At the conclusion of Friday’s proceedings, Justice Orafu commended the lawyers representing both sides for their conduct and the progress made in the case.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the court is expected to determine the case after hearing the final submissions of the prosecution and defence.