Abduction of Corps Members: DSS Arraigns Three Suspects and Two Others

Nigeria’s Department of State Services arraigned Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali over the abduction of NYSC corps members on the Owerri-Onitsha road, hostage-taking, collecting a ransom of 48 million naira and dollars, and illegal firearm possession. Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim face charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal firearm possession. All five pleaded not guilty; Justice Emeka Orafu ordered that they remain in DSS custody, with hearings scheduled for October 22, 27, 28 and 29. About 20 corps members traveling to orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states were abducted on October 1 and released after roughly six days.