The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Three of the suspects—Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali—were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on abduction and hostage-taking, collection of N48 million and foreign currency as ransom, and illegal possession of firearms.
The remaining defendants, Aminu Haliru and Jiji Ibrahim, were charged with conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of firearms.
The suspects were accused of abducting Winner Ogidi, Opara Timothy, Ogechi Henrietta and another individual on October 4, 2026. However, all five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, Ekezie Nwauzo, filed an application seeking an order for the defendants to remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
The application was granted by the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu.
Nnaemeka Adipuo represented the first and second defendants in the case involving the abduction of the corps members, while Paschal Ofoma appeared for the third defendant.
The court adjourned the cases to October 22, as well as October 27, 28 and 29, 2026, for further hearings. 
The arraignment comes weeks after reports emerged that about 20 NYSC members had been abducted on October 1 while travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road to their respective orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
The victims were reportedly held captive for approximately six days before they were released and reunited with their families.
Speaking to journalists after the court proceedings, defence lawyers Adipuo and Ofoma emphasised that their clients remained innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The cases are expected to resume on the scheduled dates as judicial proceedings continue.
