The driver of a bus conveying 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted in Imo State on Independence Day has identified five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) as members of the gang that allegedly carried out the attack.
Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy, also told the Imo State High Court that he sighted two of the five defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha Expressway.
The witnesses gave their testimonies on Friday during the resumed trial of the five suspected kidnappers before the High Court sitting in Mgbidi, Imo State, reports The Guardian.
Both witnesses maintained during examination-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, who testified as the third prosecution witness, told the court that he could clearly identify the first defendant as the person who initially approached his vehicle on the day of the attack while carrying an AK-47 rifle.
He further identified the first defendant as the suspect who allegedly marched the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after taking them hostage.
In his testimony, Timothy said he sighted the first and second defendants shortly after the abduction and later identified them as members of the attacking gang during an identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the bus driver’s identity card. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, confirmed that the colour photograph on the document bore a strong resemblance to the witness.
The testimonies of both witnesses and 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 hearing.
