The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned suspects allegedly involved in the abduction of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the High Court in Imo State.

The suspects were brought before the court on Tuesday amid tight security, following their arrest in connection with the kidnapping incident that caused widespread concern across the country.

It was gathered that the defendants were accused of participating in the abduction of corps members who were traveling within the state when they were intercepted by gunmen.

The case, which has attracted public attention due to the involvement of NYSC members, was formally presented before the Imo State High Court for hearing.

During proceedings, the DSS, through its legal team, informed the court that the suspects were arrested after weeks of intensive investigation and intelligence gathering.

The prosecution told the court that operatives of the secret police tracked the suspects to their hideouts where they were apprehended with exhibits linking them to the crime.

According to the charge sheet read in court, the accused persons are facing multiple counts bordering on kidnapping, conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and acts of terrorism.

The DSS alleged that the suspects conspired among themselves to kidnap the corps members for ransom, thereby putting the lives of the victims in grave danger.

The security agency further alleged that the suspects, while armed with dangerous weapons, forcefully abducted the victims, held them hostage and demanded ransom from their families and associates.

The prosecution stated that the offenses committed by the suspects are contrary to the Anti-Kidnapping Law of Imo State and the Terrorism Prevention Act as amended.

When the charges were read to them, the suspects pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them by the DSS.

Following their plea, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the conclusion of investigation and commencement of full trial.

He argued that the nature of the offense is serious and that the suspects could interfere with investigation or attempt to escape if granted bail at this stage.

However, counsel to the defendants applied for bail on behalf of his clients, assuring the court that they would not jump bail and would be available to stand trial.

He told the court that his clients are presumed innocent until proven guilty and should be granted bail in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

After listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Owerri Correctional Center pending the ruling on their bail application.

The judge adjourned the case to a later date to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses and to allow the court to consider the bail request properly.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the court session, a representative of the DSS said the arraignment demonstrates the commitment of the service to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

He said the DSS will continue to work with other security agencies to rid Imo State and the entire South-East of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the arraignment, with many Nigerians calling for speedy trial and for the suspects to be made to face the full wrath of the law if found guilty.

Stakeholders have also urged the government to strengthen security along major highways and to provide adequate protection for corps members serving across the country, especially those posted to high-risk areas.

The parents of some of the affected corps members who were present in court expressed relief that the suspects have been apprehended and brought before the court, saying they have been living in trauma since the incident occurred.

They called on the Imo State Government and the NYSC authorities to provide necessary support and counseling for the victims, who according to them, are still trying to recover from the harrowing experience in the hands of their abductors.

In its reaction, the leadership of the NYSC in Imo State commended the DSS for its swift action and professionalism in tracking and arresting the suspects, assuring that the scheme will continue to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard corps members.

It also reiterated its commitment to prioritizing the welfare and security of all corps members deployed to the state, while urging serving corps members to remain vigilant and to always report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.