Suspects Linked To Abduction Of Corps Members Admit Confessional Statements, Beg Court For Forgiveness

Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making the written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered before the court by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, who are the first and second accused persons, however, pleaded with the court to forgive them and set them free.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, both men, while being cross-examined, admitted that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their counsel.

The statements were tendered by the DSS and admitted in evidence by the court.

Earlier, while opening their defence and testifying for themselves, the defendants had pleaded for forgiveness in the case involving charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.

In a related case, the trial of two other defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms continued, with a prosecution witness identifying them as the persons who allegedly kidnapped him for ransom in the state on October 4, 2026.

At the end of Thursday’s proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until November 6 for continuation.