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 before the Department of State Services (DSS), while pleading with the court to forgive them.
The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, made the admission on Thursday during proceedings before an Imo State High Court.
While being cross-examined, both men told the court that they voluntarily made the statements presented by the DSS. They also confirmed that they thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their lawyer.
The prosecution had earlier tendered the written and audio-visual confessional statements as part of its evidence in the ongoing trial.
In their defence, the two accused persons appealed to the court for mercy, asking to be forgiven and released despite facing charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
The case is linked to the alleged kidnapping of 20 prospective NYSC members who were travelling to Imo State for the national orientation exercise during the Independence Day period. The incident attracted nationwide attention and renewed concerns over the safety of travellers, especially young Nigerians participating in the compulsory national service scheme.
Meanwhile, the court also continued hearing another criminal case involving two separate defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
During the proceedings, a prosecution witness identified the two men as those who allegedly kidnapped him for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.
After hearing from both sides, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned the two cases until November 6 for continuation of hearing.
The trial is expected to continue with further evidence as the court works to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused persons in the high-profile kidnapping cases.