Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, however, pleaded with the court to forgive them and grant them freedom.
They made the admission on Thursday while testifying in their defence before the Imo State High Court. During cross-examination, both men confirmed that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed their written confessions in the presence of their lawyers.
The DSS had tendered the statements, which were admitted as evidence by the court.
The defendants are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms over the abduction of 20 prospective corps members on October 1.
Earlier, while opening their defence, the two men appealed to the court for forgiveness, urging it to set them free.
In a related case, the trial of two other defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms continued. A prosecution witness identified them as the men who allegedly abducted him for ransom in Imo State on October 4.
At the end of Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned both cases until November 6 for continuation of trial.
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