The driver of a bus who conveyed kidnapped potential members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Independence Day in Imo State, has recognized 5 suspects arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, as the individuals who allegedly attacked his automobile and kidnapped the passengers.
The driver, who testified as the third prosecution witness, made the identification on Friday throughout the resumed trial of the 5 suspected kidnappers earlier than the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi.
Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy, additionally informed the court that he noticed two of the defendants wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction alongside the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha expressway.
Both witnesses maintained throughout their proof-in-chief and cross-examination that they noticed the defendants allegedly commit offences bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms.
He additional acknowledged that the identical defendant was the particular person he noticed main the 20 potential corps members into a close-by bush after they had been taken hostage.
The driver mentioned his identification was primarily based on his direct encounter with the attackers throughout the incident.
In his testimony, Timothy mentioned he sighted the first and second defendants after the abduction and subsequently recognized each males as amongst those that attacked the bus.
He informed the court that the identification was made throughout an identification parade carried out at the DSS state workplace.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the identification card of the bus driver as a part of efforts to ascertain his identification.
Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the proceedings, reportedly confirmed that the color {photograph} on the identification card offered by the driver bore a robust resemblance to him.
The testimonies of each witnesses, alongside the driver’s identification card, had been subsequently admitted in proof.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the trial to November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of the listening to.
The 5 defendants are standing trial over their alleged involvement in the abduction of the 20 potential NYSC members in Imo State.
The court is anticipated to proceed listening to proof from the prosecution and defence as proceedings resume on the scheduled dates.
