The ongoing trial of five suspects accused of kidnapping 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State took a significant turn as the bus driver identified the alleged attackers in court. The incident occurred on Independence Day, and the driver provided crucial testimony during the proceedings held at the Imo State High Court in Mgbidi on October 30, 2026.

Testifying as the third prosecution witness, the driver recounted the harrowing experience of the abduction, detailing how the suspects attacked his vehicle. He pointed out the first defendant as the individual who approached the bus armed with an AK-47 rifle during the assault. The driver further testified that he witnessed the same defendant leading the kidnapped corps members into a nearby bush after the attack.

Another key witness, Mr. Light Timothy, corroborated the driver's account, stating that he saw two of the defendants wielding AK-47 rifles shortly after the abduction along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha expressway. Both witnesses maintained their testimonies during cross-examination, asserting that they observed the defendants committing offenses related to conspiracy, hostage-taking, and unlawful possession of firearms.

The bus driver’s identification of the suspects was made during an identification parade conducted at the Department of State Services (DSS) state office. During the proceedings, the defense counsel sought to verify the driver's identity by requesting his identity card. Justice Emeka Orafu, who presided over the trial, confirmed that the photograph on the driver's identity card closely resembled him, adding weight to his testimony.

The testimonies of both the bus driver and Mr. Timothy have been admitted as evidence in the ongoing trial. Justice Orafu has scheduled further hearings for November 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2026, to continue the examination of evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense.

The five defendants face serious charges related to the kidnapping of the NYSC members, and the court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the events surrounding this alarming incident. As the trial progresses, the testimonies of the witnesses may play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the case, which has drawn significant public attention due to the nature of the crime and its impact on the safety of young Nigerians serving in the NYSC program.