A bus driver who transported 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted in Imo State has identified five suspects standing trial over the incident, telling the court that they were among the armed men who attacked his vehicle and kidnapped the passengers.
The driver gave the testimony on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the resumed hearing of the case before the Imo State High Court sitting in Mgbidi.
Testifying as the third prosecution witness, the driver identified the five defendants arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) as the alleged attackers.
He specifically identified the first defendant as the man who initially approached his bus during the attack while carrying an AK-47 rifle. He further told the court that the same suspect led the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after they were taken hostage.
The driver maintained that he could recognise the suspect because of his direct encounter with him during the incident.
Another prosecution witness, identified as Light Timothy, also testified that he saw two of the defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway.
Timothy said he subsequently identified the first and second defendants during an identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.
Both witnesses maintained during their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they saw the defendants in connection with the alleged offences, which include conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the bus driver’s identity card as part of efforts to establish his identity. Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, reportedly examined the document and confirmed that the photograph on it bore a strong resemblance to the witness.
The testimonies of the two witnesses and the driver’s identity card were subsequently admitted in evidence.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the case to November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
The five defendants are being prosecuted over the abduction of 20 prospective corps members who were travelling to their NYSC orientation camps when armed men attacked their buses in Imo State on October 1, 2026.
The case is continuing, and the defendants remain suspects until the court determines the charges against them.
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