The suspects were brought before a court in Owerri following the rescue of the abducted prospective corps members, while three other suspects remain at large.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects allegedly linked to the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and another passenger in Imo State.

The suspects were brought before the Justice Oputa State High Court in Owerri on Tuesday, October 20, following their arrest during intelligence-led security operations in Rivers and Abia states.

According to reports by Channels Television and PUNCH, the arrests were carried out between October 10 and 14 by a joint security team involving the DSS, military and police. <Cite refs={[“turn732856news18″,”turn732856search0”]}/>

How the Abduction Happened

The incident occurred on October 1, when armed men reportedly intercepted vehicles conveying the prospective corps members along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

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The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their designated NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted.

Following a search-and-rescue operation, the 20 prospective corps members and another passenger were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. They were subsequently taken for medical attention. <Cite refs={[“turn732856search2″,”turn732856news7”]}/>

Three Other Suspects Still at Large

Reports indicate that three other suspected members of the gang escaped during the security operations with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

Security operatives are reportedly continuing efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The arraignment marks another development in the investigation into the abduction. However, the allegations against the five suspects remain subject to determination by the court.

Utelnova will continue to follow the case and provide updates as further verified information becomes available.

Source: Channels Television, PUNCH Newspapers and other Nigerian news reports.