The driver of the bus conveying the 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) kidnapped in Imo State on Independence Day, has told the state High Court that the five suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) were the same persons who attacked his bus and abducted the persons on the fateful day.
Another prosecutoion witness identified as Mr. Light Timothy, also told the court that the he saw two of the five suspects wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members along the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha expressway.
Both witnesses gave their testimonies at the resumed trial of the five suspected kidnappers on Friday at the high Court in Mgbidi, Imo State.
The witnesses maintained in their evidence in-chief and cross examination that they saw the defendants allegedly commit the crimes of conspiracy, hostage taking and unlawful possession of arms.
The driver, who is the third witness, told the court that he could clearly identify the first defendant as the person who on the day of the attack, first approached his bus clutching an AK-47 rifle.
The driver also stated that it was the first defendant he saw marching the 20 prospective NYSC members into the nearby bush after taking them hostage.
In his testimony, Mr. Timothy told the court that, aside sighting the first and second accused persons after the abduction, he also identified both men as those who attacked the bus, at the identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.
Under cross examination, the defence counsel demanded the identity card of the bus driver. The trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu confirmed that the colour photograph on the identity card presented by the driver looked very much like him.
Thereafter, testimonies of both witnesses, alongside the driver’s identity card, were admitted in evidence.
At the conclusion of proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Orafu adjourned trial of both sets of suspects to November 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
