An Imo State High Court has scheduled December 16, 2026, for judgement in the case involving three defendants accused of kidnapping 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The case, marked HOU/22C/2026, involves Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali, who are facing charges over the alleged abduction.

Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, fixed the date on Friday, November 6, after the defence counsel announced the closure of their case following the testimony of the third defence witness, Mohammed Ali.

The judge also directed the defence to file its written addresses within seven days, beginning November 7, while the prosecution was given five days from November 14 to submit its response.

The matter was adjourned to November 24 for the adoption of final addresses before the scheduled judgement.

During his testimony, Mohammed Ali, identified as the third defence witness, told the court that he was a native of Kogi State and worked as a cattle herder in Kara, Aba.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Paschal Oforma, the witness denied any involvement in the alleged kidnapping, stating that he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) while seated in Kara before being taken to Owerri and detained.

He also denied knowing the other defendants when questioned by his lawyer.

Under cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Martins Udolwu, Ali disclosed that he had lived in Aba for about two years and acknowledged being a herdsman.

He, however, denied entering forests, explaining that two assistants were responsible for taking his cattle out in the morning and returning them in the evening.

The witness confirmed knowing the first defendant, saying he occasionally saw him at the mosque, but stated that he was unfamiliar with the second defendant.

A brief moment of laughter reportedly occurred in court when Ali revised his earlier claim that he had been beaten before an audio-visual confessional recording was made.

He clarified that DSS operatives attempted to beat him but did not do so before the recording.

In response to questions from counsel representing the first and second defendants, the witness said he made one statement and completed a form in the presence of his lawyer.

Justice Orafu commended counsel on both sides for their conduct throughout the proceedings as the case moved towards its conclusion.