By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
A High Court of Imo State has admitted evidence tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS) against five persons accused of kidnapping 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on Independence Day.
Trials resumed with the continuation of evidence by Ikem Emmanuel, the first principal witness, who testified that the defendants made confessional statements admitting to conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
The witness tendered an audio-visual recording of the alleged confessions, their written statements, recovered firearms, and money recovered from them.
Justice Emeka Orafu, Presiding Judge, admitted the exhibits and ruled that the arms and money be kept in the custody of the DSS.
The witness maintained that the defendants’ statements were obtained in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers.
In a related case involving two other kidnap suspects, the DSS officer also testified, stating that their confessional statements were taken under caution in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.
He tendered the audio-visual recording of their statements, written statements, and money recovered in Naira, but could not tender his report for want of time.
At the conclusion of proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned both matters to October 28, 29, and 30 for continuation of hearing and ordered that all five defendants remain in the custody of the DSS.
