Victims describe captivity as experts question whether investigators can reach the alleged wider network.
By Onibiyo Segun
ABUJA, Nigeria — Two survivors dramatically identified their alleged captors during testimony that recounted threats, shackles and ransom demands during their captivity after gunmen abducted 20 prospective corps members in Imo State on October 1.
Miss A broke down while recounting how captors shackled and blindfolded passengers, gave them muddy water and threatened to kill them unless ransom was paid. Miss B corroborated her account, Vanguard reported.
TruthNigeria reported that the graduates were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC camps when gunmen attacked near Umunoha. Ten were rescued; the others and a civilian were freed on October 7 at Amakohia-Ubi forest.
Seven Days That Began With Gunfire
Channels television reported that Miss A told the court the driver tried to reverse after gunshots but hit the second bus before fleeing. She said Usman Aliyu, allegedly carrying an AK-47, took 15 passengers from one bus and five from the other. Captors demanded ₦50 million (about $37,121) per victim and threatened to kill them if families did not pay.
She said the kidnappers directed families to transfer money into an account for food, but allegedly used it to buy dry yellow garri. After collecting ransom, captors shared it, gave each captive ₦2,000 (about $1.48) for transport and showed them out. The survivors reached the DSS office in Owerri for statements and medical attention, Vanguard reported.
An Operation That Required Planning
Analyst says the alleged operation suggested planning, not a spontaneous roadside attack. Phones, fuel, food, shackles and blindfolds had to be obtained; captives guarded, ransom negotiated and patrols evaded.
“This is not random gang. It is structured,” Retired Colonel and security analyst Col. Aliyu Danbaba told TruthNigeria in a chat. He warned that arresting foot soldiers without tracing financiers could leave the operation intact and enable recruitment.
Danbaba recommended joint intelligence across Imo, Rivers and Abia, faster phone-data sharing, forest patrols, financial tracing and pursuit of suspects reportedly injured while escaping.
An earlier TruthNigeria report raised questions about suspects reportedly still at large, conflicting ransom accounts and the need to connect evidence to each defendant rather than assume guilt through association.
What Witnesses Told the Court
Three defendants face charges over the NYSC abduction: Usman Aliyu, 25, known as Chonge; Babangida Aliyu, 21; and Mohammed Ali, 23, known as Smallie Pepper. Aminu Haliru, 27, and Tange Ibrahim, 20, known as Jijji, face a separate case over the alleged October 4 kidnapping of four people around Owerri and Mgbidi. All five pleaded not guilty.
Bus driver Sunday Udoh and witness Light Timothy had testified earlier. TheCable reported that Udoh identified the first defendant as the man who approached the bus with an AK-47 and led passengers away. Timothy said he saw two defendants with rifles and identified them at a DSS parade.
Miss A identified Usman Aliyu as the man who took passengers into the bush. Media accounts differ on the driver’s identification: TheCable described him identifying the first defendant, while Vanguard named Usman Aliyu. Prosecutors must establish each defendant’s individual role.
Channels Television reported that the three NYSC defendants face charges bordering on conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms under Imo State’s Prohibition of Hostage Taking and Related Offences Law No. 4 of 2009. Prosecutors allege they collected ₦48 million (about $35,636) and undisclosed dollars. The alleged weapons include three AK-47s, four magazines, a pistol and 81 rounds, the charge sheet says.
The Legal Test and the Missing Money
Pulse Nigeria reported an initial ransom demand of ₦950 million (about $705,305), calculated at ₦50 million for each of 19 victims. Vanguard reported that only ₦155,200 (about $115) was recovered from three accused persons. The figures raise questions about who received the money and where it went.
Abuja-based international lawyer Barr. Bright Omoregie told TruthNigeria that the defendants remain presumed innocent and prosecutors must prove each person’s role. He urged investigators to test the alleged confession against phone records, financial transactions and independent evidence.
“The court cannot convict Babangida simply because he was with others,” Omoregie said. “Investigators,” he added, “should identify ransom negotiators, recipients and financiers, and pursue accomplices still at large.” The October 4 defendants must not be confused with the three men facing the NYSC charges.
Justice Must Reach Beyond the Dock
DSS investigator Ikem Emmanuel told the court Usman Aliyu allegedly admitted involvement and disclosed that 11 people participated. Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds during operations in Port Harcourt and Aba, Channels Television reported. The alleged confession makes it important to establish who else took part.
After Miss B’s testimony and cross-examination, prosecutor Ekezie Nwauzor closed the prosecution’s case. Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned the NYSC matter to November 5 for the defence to open, Vanguard reported.
For survivors and families, release ended captivity, not the need for answers. Justice requires proof of individual responsibility, ransom tracing, identification of organisers and pursuit of missing suspects. If the investigation stops with those in court, other young Nigerians travelling to serve may face the same danger. Justice must punish offenders and make the road safer.
Onibiyo Segun reports on terrorism and conflict for TruthNigeria.
