Two men standing trial over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have admitted voluntarily making the confessional statements tendered against them by the Department of State Services (DSS), while appealing to the court for forgiveness and release.

The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, made the admission on Thursday during cross-examination at the resumed hearing of the case.

They confirmed that they voluntarily made both written and audio-visual statements and affixed their thumbprints to the written documents in the presence of their lawyers.

The DSS subsequently tendered the statements as evidence, and the court admitted them.

Earlier, while presenting their defence and testifying on their own behalf, the two defendants had pleaded with the court to forgive them and grant them their freedom.

They are facing charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms in connection with the alleged abduction of 20 prospective corps members.

Meanwhile, hearing continued in a separate case involving two other defendants charged with conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

A prosecution witness identified the accused persons as those who allegedly abducted him for ransom in Imo State on October 4, 2026.

After the proceedings, Justice Emeka Orafu adjourned both cases until November 6 for continuation of hearing.