An Imo State High Court has ordered the speedy trial of five suspects accused of kidnapping prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), setting October 27 to 30 for the continuation of proceedings.

The suspects are facing charges in two separate kidnapping cases, including the abduction of 20 prospective corps members on Nigeria’s Independence Day.

Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Orafu, urged the prosecution and defence counsel to cooperate with the court to ensure the cases are concluded and judgment delivered before January 2027.

During Thursday’s proceedings, a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Ikem Emmanuel, testified on the investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects in the NYSC-related case.

Emmanuel told the court that the investigation involved intelligence gathering, data analysis, record checks, interviews and statements obtained from the defendants, victims and witnesses.

He said an identification parade was conducted, during which victims and witnesses allegedly identified the defendants as members of the gang responsible for their abduction.

According to the investigator, the defendants’ statements were obtained in the presence of their legal representatives and DSS legal officers.

In a related proceeding involving two other defendants facing separate kidnapping charges, the officer also testified about the investigation, stating that their statements were taken in the presence of their lawyers and DSS legal officers.

Following the proceedings, Justice Orafu adjourned the cases to October 27, 28, 29 and 30 for continuation of the hearings.