NIGERIA: Court Fixes December 16 For Judgment in NYSC Abduction Case

An Imo State High Court has fixed December 16, 2026, for judgment in the trial of three men accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The defendants, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohamed Ali are standing trial in suit number HOU/22C/2026 over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

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 submit its final written addresses within seven days from November 7, while the prosecution was given five days from November 14 to respond.

The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until November 24 for the adoption of final written addresses ahead of the judgment.

During his testimony, Mohammed Ali, who identified himself as a native of Kogi State and a cattle herder in Kara, Aba, denied involvement in the alleged kidnapping.

He told the court that he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) while sitting in Kara and later taken to Owerri.

The witness also said he did not know two of the defendants, although he acknowledged knowing one of them through their mosque.

During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Martins Udolwu, Ali said he had lived in Aba for about two years and had never entered any forest.

He explained that two boys assisted him in taking his cattle out for grazing in the morning and returning them in the evening.

The witness also clarified his earlier claim that he was beaten before an audio-visual recording was made, explaining that DSS operatives attempted to beat him but did not do so before the recording.

He further told the court that he made one statement and completed one form in the presence of his lawyer.

At the end of proceedings, Justice Orafu commended counsel to both parties for their conduct throughout the trial as the case moves towards judgment.