Heavy security surrounds Owerri court as five alleged kidnappers face trial over highway abduction
Tight security has been mounted around a State High Court in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as proceedings resume in the trial of five suspected kidnappers accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other victims.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) brought the defendants to court for the continuation of proceedings over the alleged abduction, which occurred on October 1, 2026, at Umunoha community along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
The suspects are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking, abduction and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Their arrest followed intelligence-led operations carried out between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State by the DSS, working in collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies.
However, three other suspected members of the gang reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot wounds, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to track them down.
The incident occurred as the prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were allegedly intercepted and abducted along the busy highway in Imo State.
The resumption of the trial comes amid heightened security attention surrounding the case, which drew concern over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to begin their national service.
Proceedings are expected to continue as the court considers the allegations against the five defendants.
