Court sets date for judgment in 20 NYSC members abduction trial

An Imo State High Court has fixed December 16, 2026, for judgment in the trial of three men accused of participating in the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, are facing trial in suit number HOU/22C/2026 before Justice Emeka Orafu.

The judge announced the judgment date on Friday, November 6, 2026, after the defence lawyers closed their case following the testimony of the third defence witness, Mohammed Ali (DW3).

He directed the defence to file its written address within seven days, beginning Saturday, November 7, while the prosecution was given five days from Saturday, November 14, to submit its response.

Earlier, Mohammed Ali, who testified as the third defence witness, told the court that he was from Kogi State and worked as a cattle rearer in Kara, Aba.

Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Paschal Oforma, the witness denied having any knowledge of the alleged abduction. He said he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, while sitting in Kara, taken to Owerri and detained.

When asked whether he had anything else to tell the court, Ali maintained that he did not know the other defendants.

During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Martins Udolwu, the witness said he had lived in Aba for about two years and identified himself as a herdsman but denied entering forests.

He explained that he had two boys who took the cattle out to graze in the morning and returned them in the evening.

Ali also acknowledged knowing the first defence witness, saying he occasionally saw him at the mosque, but maintained that he did not know the second defence witness.

There was laughter in the courtroom when the witness revised his earlier claim that he was beaten before an audio-visual recording was made. He clarified that DSS operatives attempted to beat him but did not actually do so before the recording of his confessional statement.

Responding to questions from the lawyers representing the first and second defendants, Ali said he made one statement and completed a form in the presence of his lawyer.