NYSC Kidnap: DSS Witness Explains How Suspects Were Identified

A DSS investigator told the Imo State High Court that 20 prospective NYSC members were abducted at gunpoint on October 1, 2026, while travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Ikechukwu Emmanuel said the victims and a bus driver identified the three defendants—Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali—at an identification parade, after their arrests in Rivers and Abia states. The hostages were released after a ransom was paid, and Usman Aliyu reportedly said in a confessional statement that 11 people took part in the kidnapping. The trial on charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful firearm possession is scheduled to continue on October 27, 28 and 29, 2026.