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

The defendants, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu, however, pleaded with the court to forgive them and grant them freedom.

At the resumed hearing, the two men admitted under cross-examination that they voluntarily made the audio-visual statements and thumb-printed their written confessions in the presence of their lawyers.

The DSS subsequently tendered the statements and recordings, which were admitted by the court as evidence in the ongoing trial.

The defendants are facing charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms over the abduction of 20 prospective corps members during the Independence Day period in Imo State.

However, while opening their defence, both men denied participating in the kidnapping, despite acknowledging their appearance in video recordings in which they narrated the circumstances surrounding the incident.