The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the kidnapping of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha road.
Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali were arraigned on a three-count charge of abduction and hostage-taking, collection of a ransom of N48 million and dollars, and illegal possession of firearms. They pleaded not guilty.
The other two suspects, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms. They also pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said the suspects abducted Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and one other person on October 4, 2026.
Counsel for the state, Ekezie Nwauzo, applied for the suspects to remain in DSS custody. Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the case, granted the request.
Nnaemeka Adipuo appeared for the first and second defendants, while Paschal Ofoma represented the third defendant.
The court adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 22, and to October 27, 28 and 29 for hearing.
About 20 corps members were reportedly abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha road while heading to NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states. They were released after about six days in captivity and reunited with their families.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Adipuo and Ofoma said the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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