Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have admitted making written and video-recorded confessional statements to investigators, while pleading with the court for forgiveness and release.
The defendants, identified as Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, made the admission on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during the continuation of their trial over alleged conspiracy, kidnapping, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to reports, both defendants told the court that they voluntarily made the confessional statements and thumb-printed the written documents in the presence of their lawyers.
The statements had earlier been tendered by the prosecution and admitted as evidence. During cross-examination, the defendants reportedly did not deny making the confessions.
The case followed an alleged armed attack on at least two commercial buses belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors, during which passengers and drivers were reportedly abducted.
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Among those taken were prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to attend NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo and Abia states.
The incident sparked concern among relatives of the victims, with some gathering at the transport company’s park in Ibadan to seek information about their missing loved ones.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned five suspects in connection with the abduction of the prospective corps members and other victims.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned the case until Friday, November 6, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
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