NYSC members’ kidnapping: Suspects confess and beg court for forgiveness

Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, standing trial over the Independence Day kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State, admitted in the High Court that they made the statements and audiovisual confessions tendered by the DSS. Under cross-examination, they confirmed that they thumb-printed their written statements in the presence of their counsel. Charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms, both men asked the court to forgive and release them. In a related case, a witness identified two other defendants as the people who allegedly kidnapped him for ransom on October 4, 2026; Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned both trials to November 6.