Two men facing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and video-recorded confessional statements to investigators, while appealing to the court for forgiveness and freedom.
The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, made the admission on Thursday, November 5, 2026, when proceedings resumed in their trial over charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
Both men told the court that they voluntarily made the statements and thumb-printed the written documents in the presence of their legal representatives.
The confessional statements had earlier been tendered by the prosecution and admitted as evidence by the court.
The defendants' admission came as they began presenting their defence, testifying personally in response to the allegations against them. During cross-examination by the prosecution, neither of them denied making the statements.
According to a report by Channels Television, the defendants also appealed to the court to forgive them and grant their release.
The case stems from an attack on at least two commercial buses belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors by armed men, who abducted passengers and drivers travelling along a highway in Imo State.
Among those kidnapped were prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to various NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo and Abia states.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gunmen intercepted the vehicles, stopped them along the road and forcefully took the occupants away.
Following the incident, a video circulated online showing distressed relatives at the transport company's park in Ibadan, seeking information about their missing family members.
A passenger who reportedly escaped from the attackers recounted the incident, saying, "They carried everybody, including the driver."
On October 20, 2026, five suspects were arraigned before a court by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the abduction of the 20 prospective corps members and other victims in Imo State.
The defendants were charged with offences including conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
At the conclusion of Thursday's sitting, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned the matter until Friday, November 6, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
