Five Face Trial Over Kidnap of NYSC Members on Owerri-Onitsha Road

Five suspects have been arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the abduction of corps members travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The first three defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, pleaded not guilty to charges of abduction and hostage-taking, receiving N48 million and dollars in ransom, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The remaining defendants, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, are facing charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms.

The defendants were accused of abducting Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and another individual on October 4, 2026. They also denied the allegations against them.

During proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, asked the court to order that the suspects be remanded in DSS custody. Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the matter, granted the request.

Nnaemeka Adipuo appeared for the first and second defendants in the corps members’ abduction case, while Paschal Ofoma represented the third defendant.

The court adjourned the matters for hearing to October 22, followed by October 27, 28 and 29.

The arraignment follows reports that approximately 20 NYSC corps members were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road while travelling to their orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

The victims were released after approximately six days in captivity and later reunited with their families.

Addressing journalists after the court proceedings, defence lawyers Adipuo and Ofoma stressed that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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