“I Saw Two Defendants Carrying AK-47 Rifles” — Witness Identifies Suspected Kidnappers Of 20 Prospective NYSC Members In Imo

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 State Security Service (SSS) as the persons who allegedly attacked his vehicle and kidnapped the passengers.

The driver, who testified as the third prosecution witness, made the identification on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the resumed trial of the five defendants before the Imo State High Court sitting in Mgbidi.

Another prosecution witness, Mr. 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 was the person he saw leading the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after they were taken hostage.

According to the driver, his identification of the first defendant was based on his direct encounter with the attackers during the incident.

He maintained that he had an opportunity to observe the armed men during the attack and could recognise those involved.

In his testimony, Timothy told the court that he sighted the first and second defendants after the abduction and subsequently identified both men as among those who allegedly attacked the bus.

He explained that the identification was made during an identification parade conducted at the SSS state office.

Timothy maintained that the two defendants he identified were carrying AK-47 rifles when he saw them.

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, examined the identity card presented by the witness and confirmed that the colour photograph on it bore a strong resemblance to him.

The testimonies of both prosecution witnesses, together with the driver’s identity card, were subsequently admitted in evidence.

The five defendants are standing trial over their alleged involvement in the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

The incident occurred on October 1, when the bus conveying the prospective corps members was allegedly intercepted by armed men who forced the passengers into a nearby bush.

The prosecution is seeking to establish the defendants’ alleged involvement in the attack through eyewitness testimony and other evidence presented before the court.

The identification of the suspects by the bus driver and Timothy formed part of the prosecution’s evidence linking the defendants to the alleged kidnapping.

However, the defendants remain presumed innocent until their guilt is established by the court.

At the conclusion of Friday’s proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the trial to November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

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