Kidnapping of NYSC members: Court to deliver judgment on December 16

The Imo State High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Orafu, will deliver judgment on December 16, 2026, in the case against Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali, who are accused of involvement in the kidnapping of 20 prospective NYSC members travelling to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. The defense closed its case after Mohammed Ali testified that he knew nothing about the kidnapping and had been arrested by the DSS while in Kara, Aba. He said he was a herdsman and denied being beaten before his audiovisual confessional recording, saying officers tried but did not beat him. The court set November 24 for adoption of final addresses, after the parties file their briefs.