An Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri has resumed hearing in the case of three men accused of abducting twenty prospective corps members on October 1, 2026.
Two other defendants also appeared before the court over a separate case involving the abduction of three people in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
Five defendants appeared before Justice Emeka Orafu during Thursday’s proceedings.
Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali are standing trial over the abduction of the prospective corps members.
Aminu Aliyu and Dangi Ibrahim face charges relating to the abduction of three people at Umuawaka-Okwu community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The separate cases involve charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking, abduction and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Prosecution counsel Ekezie Nwauzo called the principal investigating officer, Ikem Emmanuel, as the first prosecution witness.
In his evidence-in-chief, Emmanuel told the court that the twenty prospective corps members were abducted at about half past six on the morning of October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway.
They were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The witness alleged that the attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, ambushed the travellers and held them in a forest for about a week until a ransom was paid.
He said joint operations involving the Department of State Services, the Army and the Police led to the arrest of the three defendants between October 10 and 14.
Emmanuel also testified that the victims were able to identify the defendants because their captors had removed their face coverings during the period of captivity.
He told the court that the defendants’ statements were obtained voluntarily in the presence of their legal representatives and in accordance with statutory requirements.
Following his testimony, Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned further hearing until October 27, 28, 29 and 30.
The judge urged prosecution and defence counsel to cooperate to ensure a speedy trial.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
