The Imo State High Court has admitted evidence presented by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing trial of suspects accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

The case concerns the abduction of the prospective corps members along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan to their assigned orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were held captive for seven days before being rescued during a joint security operation on October 7.

Five suspects are facing trial in two separate cases over the alleged kidnapping of the corps members and other victims. Three defendants — Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali — are accused of involvement in the abduction of the 20 prospective corps members.

Two other defendants, Aminu Haliru and Tange Ibrahim, are facing charges relating to the alleged abduction of other victims.

The charges include conspiracy, hostage-taking, abduction and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

During earlier proceedings, a DSS investigator told the court that the victims identified some of the defendants after their captors removed their face masks while they were being held.

The investigator also testified that the suspects’ statements were recorded in the presence of their legal representatives, in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

The prosecution is presenting its evidence to establish the alleged involvement of the defendants in the kidnappings, while the trial continues before the court.

The defendants remain accused persons, and the allegations against them are yet to be determined by the court.