NYSC Kidnap: Suspects Admit DSS Confessions, Beg Court for Forgiveness

Two defendants standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective corps members in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the DSS.

Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements presented before the court by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, who are the first and second accused persons respectively, made the admission on Thursday during proceedings at the Imo State High Court, where they also pleaded for forgiveness.

The duo reportedly admitted under cross-examination that they voluntarily made the audio-visual confessions and thumb-printed the written statements in the presence of their lawyers.

The statements had earlier been tendered by the DSS and admitted as evidence by the court.

Both defendants had also appealed to the court to forgive them and grant them freedom while opening their defence in the case involving allegations of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.

Their admission comes as the prosecution continues to present evidence in the separate trial of two other defendants facing charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

During Thursday’s proceedings in the related case, a prosecution witness identified the two defendants as the persons who allegedly abducted him for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.

At the end of the proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until November 6, 2026, for continuation of trial.