The driver of the bus conveying the 20 potential members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) kidnapped in Imo State on Independence Day has recognized 5 suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) because the individuals who allegedly attacked the bus and kidnapped the passengers.
Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy, additionally advised the Imo State High Court that he noticed two of the 5 suspects wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the kidnapping alongside the Owerri–Mgbidi–Onitsha Expressway.
The witnesses gave their testimonies on Friday on the resumed trial of the 5 suspected kidnappers.
Both witnesses maintained throughout their evidence-in-chief and cross-examination that they noticed the defendants allegedly commit the offences of conspiracy, hostage-taking and illegal possession of arms.
The bus driver, who testified because the third prosecution witness, advised the courtroom that he might clearly establish the primary defendant as the one that initially approached his bus on the day of the assault, clutching an AK-47 rifle.
He additionally advised the courtroom that the primary defendant was the individual he noticed marching the 20 potential corps members into a close-by bush after taking them hostage.
In his testimony, Timothy stated that, other than sighting the primary and second defendants after the kidnapping, he additionally recognized each males as those that attacked the bus throughout an identification parade performed on the DSS state workplace.
During cross-examination, defence counsel requested the bus driver’s identification card.
The trial choose, Justice Emeka Orafu, confirmed that the color {photograph} on the identification card offered by the driving force seemed very very similar to him.
Thereafter, the testimonies of each witnesses, alongside the driving force’s identification card, had been admitted in proof.
Justice Orafu adjourned the trial to November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of listening to.
