Court Fixes December 16 for Judgment in Case Involving Kidnapped NYSC Prospective Corps Members

An Imo State High Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Orafu, has scheduled December 16, 2026, for judgment in the case involving three men accused of participating in the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States.

The defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali, are facing charges in suit number HOU/22C/2026 over their alleged involvement in the incident.

Justice Orafu announced the judgment date on Friday, November 6, 2026, after the defence lawyers formally closed their case following the testimony of the third defence witness, Mohammed Ali (DW3).

The judge commended both the prosecution and defence lawyers for their contributions and cooperation throughout the proceedings.

He directed the defence team to submit its final written address within seven days, beginning Saturday, November 7, while the prosecution was given five days, starting November 14, to file its response.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until November 24, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses, while December 16 was fixed for the delivery of judgment.

Third Defence Witness Denies Involvement in Kidnap

Earlier during the proceedings, the third defence witness, Mohammed Ali, testified after being led by his lawyer, Mr Paschal Oforma.

The witness told the court that he is originally from Kogi State and works as a cattle rearer at Kara, Aba.

He denied having any knowledge of the alleged abduction, explaining that he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) while sitting at Kara before being taken to Owerri, where he was detained.

When asked whether he had anything else to tell the court, Ali also said he was not familiar with the other defendants.

However, during cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Martins Udolwu, the witness disclosed that he had lived in Aba for approximately two years.

He confirmed that he was a herdsman but maintained that he did not enter forests.

According to him, two boys assist him with his cattle by taking them out to graze in the morning and returning them in the evening.

Responding to further questions, Ali acknowledged knowing the first defendant, explaining that he occasionally saw him at the mosque. However, he said he did not know the second defendant.

Witness Changes Account on Alleged DSS Assault

There was laughter in the courtroom when the witness appeared to withdraw an earlier claim that he was beaten before his audio-visual confessional statement was recorded.

He subsequently clarified that DSS operatives attempted to beat him but did not actually assault him before the recording took place.

In response to questions from the lawyers representing the first and second defendants, Ali told the court that he made one statement and completed one form in the presence of his lawyer.

The proceedings ended with the court fixing November 24 for the adoption of final addresses and December 16, 2026, for judgment.