. Security team foils kidnap attempt in Anambra
Victor Duruamaku, Owerri
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned five suspects who allegedly kidnapped the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha road Imo state
According to the charge sheet, the three primary suspects were Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu, and Mohammed Alli.
The prime suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of abduction and hostage-taking, collection of a N48 million ransom and dollars, and illegal possession of firearms.
The other two suspects, Aminu Haliru and Ibrahim Jiji, were charged with conspiracy and hostage-taking, as well as illegal possession of firearms.
The charge sheet also said that these suspects were accused of abducting Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta, and one other person on October 4, 2026. They also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, filed a motion seeking to keep the suspects in DSS custody, which was granted by Hon. Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the court.
Nnaemeka Adipuo represented the first and second defendants in the corps members’ abduction case, while Paschal Ofoma appeared for the third defendant.
The cases were adjourned to Thursday, October 22, and Tuesday through Thursday, October 27–29, for hearing.
Recall that about 20 corps members were reportedly abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha road while traveling to NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia States. They were released after about six days in captivity and subsequently reunited with their families.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, defence counsel Nnamdi Adipuo and Paschal Ofoma noted that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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