Two men standing trial over the Independence Day kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members in Imo State told a state High Court on Thursday that they made the written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the Department of State Services, DSS.
The first and second defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, respectively, however, pleaded with the court for forgiveness.
Under cross-examination, both defendants admitted making the audio-visual confessional statements and thumbprinting the written statements in the presence of their counsel.
Earlier, while giving evidence in their defence, both men admitted voluntarily making the statements, which were tendered by the DSS and admitted by the court.
They pleaded with the court to forgive them and set them free in the case involving conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
In a related matter, the trial of two other defendants charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms continued, with a prosecution witness identifying them as the people who kidnapped him for ransom in the state on October 4, 2026.
At the conclusion of the day’s proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both matters to November 6 for continuation.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
