Corps members’ kidnap: Driver, one other witness determine suspects arrested by DSS in courtroom

The driver of a bus conveying 20 potential members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who had been kidnapped in Imo State on Independence Day, has recognized 5 suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) because the individuals who allegedly attacked his automobile and kidnapped the passengers.

The driver, who testified because the third prosecution witness, made the identification on Friday, October 30, 2026 throughout the resumed trial of the 5 suspected kidnappers earlier than the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi.

Another prosecution witness, Mr. Light Timothy, additionally advised the courtroom that he noticed two of the defendants wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the kidnapping alongside the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha expressway.

Both witnesses maintained throughout their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they noticed the defendants allegedly commit offences bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms.

The bus driver advised the courtroom that he might clearly determine the primary defendant as the one that initially approached his automobile throughout the assault whereas armed with an AK-47 rifle.

He additional said that the identical defendant was the particular person he noticed main the 20 potential corps members into a close-by bush after they had been taken hostage.

The driver stated his identification was based mostly on his direct encounter with the attackers throughout the incident.

In his testimony, Timothy stated he sighted the primary and second defendants after the kidnapping and subsequently recognized each males as amongst those that attacked the bus.

He advised the courtroom that the identification was made throughout an identification parade performed on the DSS state workplace.

During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the id card of the bus driver as a part of efforts to determine his id.

Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the proceedings, reportedly confirmed that the color {photograph} on the id card offered by the driving force bore a robust resemblance to him.

The testimonies of each witnesses, alongside the driving force’s id card, had been subsequently admitted in proof.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the trial to Nov. 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of listening to.

The 5 defendants are standing trial over their alleged involvement within the abduction of the 20 potential NYSC members in Imo State.

The courtroom is predicted to proceed listening to proof from the prosecution and defence as proceedings resume on the scheduled dates.