A Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgement in the terrorism trial of five men accused of masterminding the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on worshippers in recent years.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed judgement for a later date after both the prosecution and defence concluded their final arguments before the court.
The trial, prosecuted by the Department of State Services, centres on the June 5, 2022 massacre in Owo, Ondo State, where gunmen attacked worshippers during a church service, leaving dozens dead and many others injured. The incident sparked nationwide grief and condemnation from political, religious and international leaders.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the death penalty, arguing that the scale and brutality of the attack required the maximum punishment allowed under Nigerian law.
According to the prosecution, extensive investigations and evidence presented before the court linked the accused persons to the planning and execution of the attack. The prosecution maintained that security agencies had worked tirelessly to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their families.
Defence counsel, Abdullahi Mohammad, however, asked the court to discharge and acquit the defendants, insisting that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The accused persons standing trial are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
The Owo church attack drew widespread condemnation across Nigeria and beyond, with then-President Muhammadu Buhari describing the incident as evil and barbaric. Former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also called for swift justice and stronger measures against terrorism.
The case is regarded as a major test of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and criminal justice system as families of victims continue to seek closure nearly four years after the tragedy.
