An Imo State High Court has fixed December 16, 2026, for judgment in the trial of three men accused of involvement in the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
The defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali, are facing charges in suit number HOU/22C/2026 over the kidnapping of the prospective corps members who were travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Justice Emeka Orafu announced the judgment date on Friday, November 6, after the defence concluded its case with the testimony of its third witness, Mohammed Ali.
The judge directed the defence to file its final written addresses within seven days from November 7, while the prosecution has five days from November 14 to respond.
The court adjourned the case until November 24 for the adoption of final written addresses before delivering judgment on December 16.
While testifying, Mohammed Ali told the court that he is from Kogi State and works as a cattle herder in Kara, Aba.
He denied involvement in the alleged kidnapping, saying he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) while sitting in Kara and subsequently taken to Owerri.
The witness also told the court that he did not know two of the defendants, although he acknowledged knowing one of them from the mosque.
During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Martins Udolwu, Ali said he had lived in Aba for about two years and did not enter forests.
He added that two boys helped him take his cattle out in the morning and return them in the evening.
The court also heard the witness clarify his earlier claim that he was beaten before an audio-visual recording was made. He said DSS operatives attempted to beat him but did not do so before the recording.
Ali further told the court that he made one statement and filled out one form in the presence of his lawyer.
Justice Orafu commended lawyers on both sides for their conduct during the proceedings as the case moves towards judgment.
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