The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects before an Imo State High Court over the alleged abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other victims in Imo State. The defendants are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms, following a series of kidnapping incidents along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway.
Key Highlights
- DSS arraigns five suspects over the abduction of prospective NYSC members and other victims in Imo State.
- Three defendants are accused of participating in the October 1, 2026, abduction of 20 prospective corps members.
- The victims were rescued alive on October 7 during a joint security operation.
- Prosecutors allege that the suspects collected ₦48 million in ransom in the NYSC abduction case.
- All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- Security agencies are reportedly pursuing other suspected gang members still at large.
October 1 Abduction of 20 Prospective NYSC Members
According to the charge sheet filed before the Imo State High Court in the Oru Judicial Division, Mgbidi, three of the defendants—Usman Aliyu, 25, also known as Chonge; Babangida Aliyu, 21; and Mohammed Ali, 23, alias Smallie Pepper—are accused of involvement in the abduction of 20 prospective corps members and at least one other passenger on October 1, 2026.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen reportedly intercepted their vehicles along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were allegedly held captive for approximately six to seven days before being rescued alive on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area. They subsequently received medical attention at a DSS facility in Owerri.
Prosecutors Allege ₦48 Million Ransom Payment
The prosecution alleges that the three defendants and other suspects still at large demanded and collected ₦48 million, alongside an undisclosed amount in United States dollars, from the victims or their representatives.
They are also accused of unlawful possession of three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, a pistol and 81 rounds of live ammunition.
The charges were reportedly brought under the Imo State Prohibition of Hostage Taking and Related Offences Law No. 4 of 2009.
The allegations remain before the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Two Other Suspects Face Separate Kidnapping Charges
In a separate but related case, Aminu Haliru, 27, and Tange Ibrahim, 20, also known as Jijji or Jiji, were arraigned over the alleged abduction of four people around Owerri and Mgbidi on October 4, 2026.
Prosecutors allege that the pair, alongside other suspects still at large, collected ₦8 million in ransom for the victims’ release.
They are also accused of possessing an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The cases are being handled by Justice Emeka Orafu, who adjourned proceedings for further hearings, with some sessions scheduled for October 22 and other dates later in the month.
The defendants were ordered to remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings. Defence counsel also emphasised the need to uphold the presumption of innocence.
DSS, Military and Police Arrest Five Suspects
The five defendants were reportedly arrested during intelligence-led joint operations involving the DSS, military and police between October 10 and 14, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba, Abia State.
Reports indicate that other suspected members of the gang escaped with gunshot injuries, prompting security agencies to continue their search for the fugitives.
Initial accounts of the NYSC members’ abduction suggested that the kidnappers had demanded a substantially higher ransom, with some reports citing a figure of up to ₦1 billion, before a lower amount was allegedly paid.
The abduction sparked concern over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to orientation camps for national service, as well as persistent insecurity on major highways in the South-East.
Read also:
- 20 Rescued NYSC Members Offered Posting to Six South-West States After Imo Kidnap
- Police Arrest 5 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Cartridges In Separate Raids In Delta
- Oyo Police Arrest Indian National, Two Security Guards Over Viral Assault on Truck Drivers in Ibadan
Public Reactions to Arraignment
The arraignment has attracted positive and cautious reactions on social media, with some users commending security agencies for rescuing the victims and bringing the suspects before the court.
One user, identified as @Omoologo2027, welcomed the development and expressed hope that the judicial process would be swift.
Another user, @holarofLagos1, described the arraignment as an important step towards justice for the victims.
A third commenter, @fwyclone, highlighted the coordinated role of security agencies in tracking suspected criminals and bringing them to court.
The reactions reflect public expectations that the prosecution will proceed effectively and that security agencies will continue efforts to apprehend suspects still at large. The comments represent individual social media views rather than an independently verified measure of public opinion.
The cases are expected to continue as the court considers the charges against the five defendants. Meanwhile, security agencies are reportedly continuing efforts to locate other suspected members of the kidnapping gangs.
The proceedings will be closely watched amid broader concerns about highway security, kidnapping and the safety of prospective NYSC members travelling across states.
For updates as the trial continues, follow us on X.
