Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, however, pleaded with the court to forgive them and set them free.
The admissions were made on Thursday during the resumed hearing of their trial, as both defendants faced cross-examination.
They confirmed that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their lawyers.
The DSS had tendered the statements before the court, which subsequently admitted them as evidence.
Suspects Beg Court for Mercy
Earlier, while opening their defence and testifying on their own behalf, the two defendants appealed to the court for forgiveness.
They are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms over the abduction of 20 prospective corps members in Imo State.
Their admission that they made the statements voluntarily and in the presence of their counsel came during the prosecution’s cross-examination.
Another Kidnap Trial Continues
In a related case, proceedings continued against two other defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
During the hearing, a prosecution witness identified the defendants as the persons who allegedly abducted him for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.
At the conclusion of Thursday’s proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until Friday, November 6, for continuation of hearing.
