Driver Identifies Five Suspects in NYSC Kidnap Case

On October 1, a bus carrying 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members was attacked in Imo State. The driver, serving as the third prosecution witness, identified five suspects in court as the individuals who allegedly abducted the passengers.

He recognized the first defendant as the person who approached the bus with an AK-47 rifle and subsequently led the corps members into a nearby bush. Another witness, Light Timothy, corroborated this by identifying two defendants with rifles shortly after the incident.

Both witnesses maintained their testimonies during examination and cross-examination, connecting the defendants to conspiracy, hostage-taking, and unlawful possession of firearms. The defence counsel sought to verify the driver's identity through his ID card, which the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, confirmed resembled the witness.

The court admitted the testimonies and the ID card as evidence. The case has been adjourned to November 3, 4, 5, and 6 for further hearings.