DSS Arraigns Five Suspects Over Abduction of 20 NYSC Corps Members
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Three of the defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, face a three-count charge bordering on abduction and hostage-taking, collecting ₦48 million and foreign currency as ransom, and illegal possession of firearms.
However, the three suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The other defendants, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms. They also pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Suspects in DSS Custody
The prosecution accused the five suspects of involvement in the abduction of corps members, including Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and another individual, on October 4, 2026.
Following their arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, asked the court to allow the defendants to remain in DSS custody.
Justice Emeka Orafu granted the application, allowing the security agency to retain custody of the suspects.
Nnaemeka Adipuo represented the first and second defendants in the corps members’ abduction case, while Paschal Ofoma appeared for the third defendant.
After the court proceedings, defence lawyers Adipuo and Ofoma reminded journalists that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The court adjourned the cases to October 22 and October 27, 28 and 29, 2026, for further hearings.
How 20 NYSC Members Were Abducted
The arraignment follows the reported abduction of about 20 NYSC corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on October 1, 2026.
The corps members were reportedly travelling to their orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states when they were taken by their abductors.
Also Read: Dial *315# Before Buying Phones, NCC Tells Nigerians
They remained in captivity for approximately six days before their release. The victims were subsequently reunited with their families.
The incident raised concerns about the safety of corps members travelling to orientation camps, particularly along major roads in the South-East.
Security operatives later arrested five suspects in connection with the kidnapping, according to earlier reports referenced by Vanguard.
The latest court proceedings mark a further step in the legal process. However, the allegations against the defendants have yet to be proven in court.
The suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence as the cases proceed.
