The Department of State Services, DSS, has arraigned three suspects over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October first. 

The suspects, identified as Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu and Mohammed Ali, were arraigned before Justice Emeka Orafu at the Oputa High Court premises in Owerri. 

They are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, abduction and hostage-taking of the prospective corps members, collection of 48 million naira and foreign currency as ransom, and unlawful possession of firearms. 

The prosecution alleged that the three suspects acted alongside 14 others who are currently on the run. 

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were read in English and interpreted to them in Hausa. 

Following a motion by the prosecution, led by counsel to the state, Ekezie Nwauzo, the court ordered that the suspects remain in DSS custody. 

Nnaemeka Adipuo appeared for the first and second defendants, while Paschal Ofoma represented the third defendant. 

Justice Orafu granted the request for an accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to Thursday, October 22, and October 27, 28 and 29 for further proceedings. 

The DSS is expected to produce the defendants in court on Thursday.