The driver of a bus carrying 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members has told an Imo State court he recognised the five men on trial as the gang that abducted his passengers.
He testified on Friday as the third prosecution witness. The Imo State High Court sitting in Mgbidi heard him. The bus was attacked on October 1, Independence Day, along the Owerri-Mgbidi-Onitsha Expressway.
The driver said the first defendant was the first person to approach the bus. He was carrying an AK-47 rifle, the driver said. He added that the same man later marched the 20 prospective corps members into a nearby bush.
Another prosecution witness, Mr Light Timothy, also gave evidence. He said he saw two of the five defendants with AK-47 rifles soon after the abduction. He said he later picked out the first and second defendants at an identification parade at the Department of State Services (DSS) state office.
Both witnesses stood by their accounts under examination-in-chief and cross-examination. Their evidence links the defendants to conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
During cross-examination, defence counsel asked to see the driver’s identity card to establish who he was. Justice Emeka Orafu inspected it. He observed that the colour photograph strongly resembled the witness.
The court admitted both testimonies and the identity card as evidence.
The DSS arrested all five suspects, who were arraigned weeks ago. Justice Orafu adjourned the case until November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
