Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have admitted making written and audio-visual confessional statements tendered by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, also asked the court to forgive them as they opened their defence at the Imo State High Court on Thursday.

The two men, who are the first and second defendants , made the admissions during cross-examination.

They confirmed that they voluntarily made theaudio-visual statements and thumb-printed the written confessions in the presence of their lawyers.

The DSS had tendered the materials before the court, which admitted them as evidence.

Earlier, while giving their evidence-in-chief, both defendants pleaded with the court to forgive them and set them free.

They are facing charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms over the abduction of the 20 prospective corps members on Independence Day.

In a related case, the trial of two other defendants accused of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms also continued on Thursday.

A prosecution witness identified the two menas the people who allegedly kidnapped himfor ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.

At the end of the proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, adjourned both cases until November 6 for continuation. (AriseNews TV)