Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, who are the first and second accused persons respectively, made the admission on Thursday while testifying in their defence before a High Court in the state. They also pleaded with the court to forgive them and grant them their freedom.
During cross-examination, both defendants confirmed that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their lawyers. The statements were then tendered by the DSS and admitted as evidence by the court.
The defendants, while giving their evidence-in-chief, had appealed for leniency as they faced charges bordering on 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 also continued. A prosecution witness identified the accused persons as the individuals who allegedly abducted him for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until November 6 for continuation of the trial.
