The driver of a bus conveying 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted in Imo State on Independence Day, has identified five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) as the alleged attackers.
The driver, who testified as the third prosecution witness, made the identification on Friday, 30 October 2026, during the resumed trial of the five defendants before the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi.
Another prosecution witness, Light Timothy, also told the court that he saw two of the defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway.
Both witnesses maintained during their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they saw the defendants allegedly commit offences bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
The bus driver told the court that he could clearly identify the first defendant as the person who initially approached his vehicle during the attack while armed with an AK-47 rifle.
He further testified that the same defendant led the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after they were abducted.
The driver said his identification was based on his direct encounter with the attackers during the incident.
In his testimony, Timothy said he sighted the first and second defendants after the abduction and later identified them as some of those involved in the attack.
He told the court that the identification was conducted during an identification parade at the DSS state office.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the bus driver’s identity card as part of efforts to establish his identity.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, reportedly observed that the colour photograph on the identity card bore a strong resemblance to the driver.
The testimonies of both witnesses, alongside the driver’s identity card, were subsequently admitted in evidence.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the trial until 3, 4, 5 and 6 November 2026 for continuation of hearing.
The five defendants are facing trial over their alleged involvement in the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members in Imo State.
The court is expected to continue hearing evidence from the prosecution and defence when proceedings resume on the scheduled dates.
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