NYSC MEMBERS’ KIDNAP IN IMO: COURT ADMITS DSS EVIDENCE AGAINST SUSPECTS -

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NYSC MEMBERS’ KIDNAP IN IMO: COURT ADMITS DSS EVIDENCE AGAINST SUSPECTS

Judge orders five defendants to remain in DSS custody as trial continues

IMO STATE — The High Court of Imo State has admitted evidence tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS) against five persons standing trial over the alleged kidnapping of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Independence Day.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution continued its examination of Ikem Emmanuel, the first principal witness, who told the court that the defendants made confessional statements admitting to conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.

The witness tendered audio-visual recordings of the alleged confessions, written statements made by the defendants, firearms reportedly recovered from them, and money said to have been recovered during the investigation.

Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, admitted the exhibits and ordered that the recovered firearms and money be kept in DSS custody.

The principal witness maintained that the defendants’ statements were obtained in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers.

DSS OFFICER TESTIFIES IN SEPARATE KIDNAP CASE

In a related proceeding involving two other kidnapping suspects, a DSS officer also testified about the investigation, stating that the suspects’ confessional statements were obtained under caution in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.

The officer tendered audio-visual recordings of the statements, written statements and money recovered in naira. However, he could not tender his investigation report due to time constraints.

HEARING ADJOURNED

At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the two matters to October 28, 29 and 30, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The judge further ordered that all five defendants in the first case remain in DSS custody.

The cases will resume on the scheduled dates as the court continues to consider the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The allegations remain subject to determination by the court. The admission of exhibits does not, by itself, establish the defendants’ guilt.