Two men admit to DSS confessions in NYSC kidnapping trial but deny abduction

Facing charges over the kidnapping of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) candidates in Imo State, two defendants acknowledged giving confessions to the Department of State Services (DSS) but maintained their innocence. The defendants, identified as Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, appeared before the court to present their defence, where they acknowledged the authenticity of the audio-visual and written statements tendered by the prosecution. Although they admitted to the confessions, the pair requested the judge to pardon them and drop the charges, which include conspiracy, hostage-taking, and illegal firearm possession.

Background

The legal proceedings resumed on Thursday, November 5, 2026, before Justice Emeka Orafu. The case concerns an incident that occurred on Independence Day, when 20 prospective corps members were allegedly abducted in Imo State. During their evidence-in-chief, the defendants testified that they had no part in the kidnapping. Usman Aliyu, the first defendant, stated that he was arrested by security operatives while travelling to a shop in Ana, Abia State. The defendant stated that he remained unaware of the cause of his detention until the next day, when he was formally charged with abduction. He described how he later provided a statement to the DSS, which was translated into Hausa prior to him applying his thumbprint. His counsel, Mr Paschal Oforma, led him in evidence, while the prosecution counsel, Mr Ekezie Nwauzor, conducted the cross-examination.

Babangida Aliyu, the second defendant, testified that he resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he operates a business selling noodles, bread, and tea. According to his account, agents from the DSS apprehended him on a Saturday night at his retail outlet situated in the Oil Mill district. He refuted any connection to the primary accused or participation in the kidnapping, appealing for his freedom by highlighting his duties as a family provider. However, during cross-examination, Babangida failed to recall details like his shop's street name and conceded he lacked paperwork to verify he purchased the business from a Kebbi State native named Bello.

Both defendants acknowledged appearing in audio-visual recordings where they narrated events related to the abduction. Usman Aliyu contested being recognized in a lineup, whereas Babangida verified that his lawyer was present when his statement was recorded. The DSS tendered these statements and recordings as evidence, and the court admitted them. In a separate but related matter, proceedings involving two additional suspects charged with conspiracy, abduction, and illegal gun possession also took place on that date. A witness for the prosecution in that distinct trial pointed out the two suspects as the individuals who purportedly kidnapped him for ransom in the state on October 4, 2026.

Why it matters

The case highlights the legal complexities surrounding confessional statements made under duress or in the presence of counsel, as the defendants admit to the creation of the evidence but deny the underlying criminal act. The outcome will determine the fate of the two men, who face serious charges including hostage-taking. The admission of the DSS statements into evidence suggests they hold significant weight in the prosecution's case, despite the defendants' claims of innocence regarding the actual abduction. The presence of a separate trial involving other defendants and a different kidnapping incident on October 4, 2026, indicates a broader pattern of criminal activity in the region that the courts are currently addressing.

What happens next

Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned both cases until Friday, November 6, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing. The court will proceed with further examination of the evidence and testimony to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendants in the NYSC abduction case.