Imo NYSC kidnap: 'They are the ones' - Bus driver identifies suspects in court

The driver of a bus who conveyed kidnapped prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Independence Day in Imo State, has identified five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, as the persons who allegedly attacked his vehicle and kidnapped the passengers.

The driver, who testified as the third prosecution witness, made the identification on Friday during the resumed trial of the five suspected kidnappers before the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi.

Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy, also told the court that he saw two of the defendants wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha expressway.

Both witnesses maintained during their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they saw the defendants allegedly commit offences bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.

The bus driver told the court that he could clearly identify the first defendant as the person who initially approached his vehicle during the attack while armed with an AK-47 rifle.

He further stated that the same defendant was the person he saw leading the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after they were taken hostage.

The driver said his identification was based on his direct encounter with the attackers during the incident.

In his testimony, Timothy said he sighted the first and second defendants after the abduction and subsequently identified both men as among those who attacked the bus.

He told the court that the identification was made during an identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.

During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the identity card of the bus driver as part of efforts to establish his identity.

Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the proceedings, reportedly confirmed that the colour photograph on the identity card presented by the driver bore a strong resemblance to him.

The testimonies of both witnesses, alongside the driver’s identity card, were subsequently admitted in evidence.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the trial to November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.

The five defendants are standing trial over their alleged involvement in the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members in Imo State.

The court is expected to continue hearing evidence from the prosecution and defence as proceedings resume on the scheduled dates.