*Suspects to Remain in DSS Custody
The Imo State High Court on Thursday ordered the speedy trial of five persons accused of kidnapping prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Independence Day.
The court set aside four days, from October 27 to 30, for the continuation of the trial, urging both prosecution and defence counsel to cooperate to ensure that judgment is delivered before January 2027.
The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, made the appeal during proceedings in cases involving three defendants accused of abducting prospective NYSC members and two others facing charges in a separate kidnapping case.
During the hearing, an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ikem Emmanuel, testified about the investigation that led to the arrest of the three defendants in the NYSC-related case.
He told the court that the investigation involved intelligence gathering, data analysis, record checks, interviews and statements obtained from the defendants, victims and witnesses.
The officer said an identification parade was conducted, during which victims and witnesses identified the defendants as members of the gang that allegedly kidnapped them.
He further told the court that one of the defendants, Usman Aliyu, admitted in his statement to participating in the operation and allegedly disclosed that 11 persons were involved.
The investigator maintained that the defendants’ statements were obtained in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers.
In a related proceeding involving the two other defendants, the DSS officer also testified about the investigation, stating that their statements were taken in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.
Following the proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the cases to October 27, 28, 29 and 30 for the continuation of the hearings.
The judge also ordered that the five defendants remain in DSS custody.