The driver of the bus conveying 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State on Independence Day has identified five suspects standing trial over the incident as the men who allegedly attacked his vehicle and took the passengers hostage.
The driver, who testified as the third prosecution witness before the Imo State High Court sitting in Mgbidi on Friday, told the court that he recognised the first defendant as the person who initially approached the bus while carrying an AK-47 rifle.
He further identified the same defendant as the person who allegedly marched the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush after the attack.
Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy also told the court that he sighted two of the five defendants carrying AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction.
Timothy said he subsequently identified the first and second defendants as members of the gang that attacked the bus during an identification parade conducted at the DSS state office.
Both witnesses maintained their accounts during examination-in-chief and cross-examination, linking the defendants to the alleged conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the identity card of the bus driver to establish his identity.
Recall that all suspects were arrested by the DSS and arraigned in court weeks ago.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, examined the document and observed that the colour photograph on the identity card bore a strong resemblance to the witness.
The testimonies of the two witnesses and the driver’s identity card were subsequently admitted as evidence by the court.
The five defendants are being prosecuted over the abduction of the 20 prospective NYSC members along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha Expressway on October 1.
At the conclusion of Friday’s proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the case until November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
