An Imo State High Court has ordered the accelerated trial of five men charged with kidnapping and directed that they remain in the custody of the Department of State Services.
Justice Emeka Orafu on Thursday fixed four consecutive hearing days, October 27 to 30 for the continuation of the cases. He urged both prosecution and defence counsel to cooperate so that judgment can be delivered before January 2027.
Three of the defendants face charges over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members on Independence Day. The two others are standing trial in a separate kidnapping matter.
DSS officer Ikem Emmanuel told the court that the investigation that led to the arrest of the three men in the NYSC-related case involved intelligence gathering, data analysis, record checks, interviews and statements from the defendants, victims and witnesses. He said an identification parade was held at which victims and witnesses pointed out the defendants as members of the gang that allegedly carried out the abduction.
According to the officer, one of the defendants, Usman Aliyu, admitted in his statement that he took part in the operation and claimed 11 people were involved. Emmanuel maintained that the statements of all the defendants were obtained in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.
Justice Orafu adjourned the matters to October 27, 28, 29 and 30 for further hearing and ordered that the five defendants continue to be held by the DSS.
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