A bus driver conveying 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted in Imo State on Independence Day, has identified five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) as the alleged perpetrators of the attack.
The driver made the identification while testifying before the Imo State High Court during the resumed trial of the five defendants on Friday, October 30, 2026.
According to his testimony, the first defendant was the person who initially approached the bus while carrying an AK-47 rifle during the attack.
He further told the court that he saw the same suspect leading the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after they were taken hostage.
Another prosecution witness, identified as Mr Light Timothy, also testified that he sighted two of the defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway.
Timothy further identified the first and second defendants as two of the individuals involved in the attack during an identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.
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Both witnesses maintained during their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they recognised the defendants as individuals allegedly involved in the kidnapping, conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the bus driver’s identity card. The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, reportedly confirmed that the photograph on the document closely resembled the witness.
The court subsequently admitted the testimonies of both witnesses and the driver’s identity card as exhibits.
Following the proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the case until November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
The five defendants are facing trial over the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members, an incident that sparked concern over the safety of travellers along the route.
The case is expected to continue as the prosecution presents further evidence against the accused persons.
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