Trial begins over kidnapping of 20 NYSC members

The Imo State High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Orafu, has begun the trial of three men charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful firearm possession following the kidnapping of 20 prospective NYSC members. Prosecution witness Ikechukwu Emmanuel, a DSS officer, said the victims were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when AK-47-armed attackers abducted them on October 1, 2026. The victims were released after a ransom was paid, and the three defendants were arrested in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14. The judge adjourned hearings to October 27, 28 and 29 and directed the defence to be ready to cross-examine the witness.