DSS Arraigns Three for Kidnapping 20 NYSC Corps Members

On October 21, 2026, the Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned three suspects (Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu, and Mohammed Ali) over the kidnapping of 20 prospective NYSC corps members on October 1, 2026. The abduction occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State while the corps members were en route to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The suspects, along with 14 others who are reportedly on the run, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking, collection of ransom amounting to N48 million and dollars, and unlawful possession of firearms. All three pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were read in English and translated into Hausa before Justice Emeka Orafu at the Oputa court premises in Owerri.

Justice Orafu granted a motion for the suspects to remain in DSS custody and scheduled an accelerated hearing for October 22, 27, 28, and 29. The DSS is expected to produce the suspects for the hearing.

Additionally, two other individuals, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged separately with conspiracy and hostage-taking in a different case.