The driver who transported 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members before their abduction in Imo State has identified five suspects standing trial.
The driver testified on Friday before the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi, naming the suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) as the alleged attackers.
He told the court that the first defendant approached his vehicle carrying an AK-47 rifle before allegedly leading the abducted corps members into a nearby bush.
The driver, who appeared as the third prosecution witness, said his identification was based on his direct encounter with the attackers during the incident.
He further alleged that the first defendant led all 20 prospective corps members into the bush after they were taken hostage.
Another prosecution witness, Light Timothy, also gave evidence against two of the defendants.
Timothy told the court that he saw the first and second defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha Expressway.
He said he later identified both men during an identification parade at the DSS state office.
Both witnesses maintained during their testimonies and cross-examination that they had seen the defendants allegedly commit offences linked to conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the driver’s identity card to establish his identity.
Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, reportedly observed that the photograph on the card strongly resembled the driver who testified.
The court subsequently admitted the testimonies of both witnesses and the driver’s identity card as evidence.
The proceedings form part of the ongoing trial over the abduction of the 20 prospective corps members in Imo State on Independence Day.
The defendants are facing allegations connected to the incident.
However, the allegations remain subject to the court’s determination.
The case is expected to continue as the court considers the evidence presented by the prosecution and the responses from the defence.
