By Stephen Simon
The Department of State Services has arraigned five suspects before the Imo State High Court over the alleged kidnapping of 24 people, including 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members.
The defendants were brought before the court on Tuesday in two separate cases involving allegations of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
Three of the suspects — Usman Aliyu, 25, also known as Chonge; Babangida Aliyu, 21; and Mohammed Ali, 23, popularly known as Smallie Pepper — were accused of participating in the abduction of the prospective corps members on October 1.
According to the prosecution, the victims were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha Expressway. They were reportedly rescued after seven days in captivity.
The three defendants were also accused of unlawfully possessing three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, a pistol and 81 rounds of live ammunition.
In the second case, Aminu Haliru, 27, and Tange Ibrahim, 20, also known as Jijji, were accused of abducting four people around Owerri and Mgbidi on October 4.
The prosecution alleged that the suspects and others still at large demanded and collected N8 million for the victims’ release. It also listed firearms allegedly recovered in connection with the case.
The DSS listed an investigator and the victims among its proposed witnesses.
The cases highlight continuing concerns about kidnapping along major roads and the safety of young Nigerians travelling to fulfil national service obligations.
The allegations remain matters for the court to determine.
