DSS charges five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects before the Imo State High Court in Owerri over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another passenger.

According to P.M. News, the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Jiji, Aminu Haliru, Mohammed Ali, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, appeared before the Justice Oputa State High Court on Tuesday, October 20.

Their arraignment followed joint security operations involving the DSS, military and police, which resulted in their arrests in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14.

The victims were abducted on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway while travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

They regained freedom on October 7 following a rescue operation in Owerri West and subsequently received medical attention.

Meanwhile, security agencies are pursuing three additional suspects who reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries during the operations.