The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Three of the defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on abduction and hostage-taking, collection of N48 million and foreign currency as ransom, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The other two defendants, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms. They also pleaded not guilty.
The suspects were accused of abducting Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and another victim on October 4, 2026.
Following a motion filed by the prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, the court ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody. The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Orafu.
Nnaemeka Adipuo represented the first and second defendants in the case involving the abduction of the corps members, while Paschal Ofoma appeared for the third defendant.
The cases were adjourned to Thursday, October 22, and October 27, 28 and 29 for hearing.
About 20 corps members were reportedly abducted on October 1 while travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road to NYSC orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
They were released after spending about six days in captivity and were subsequently reunited with their families.
Speaking with journalists after the court proceedings, defence counsels Adipuo and Ofoma maintained that the defendants were presumed innocent until proven guilty.
 has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.){kind=link}