A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four men to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, while acquitting a fifth defendant of all charges.
Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully proved its case against the four convicts, finding that they were members of the proscribed terrorist group Al-Shabaab and played key roles in planning and executing the attack.
The court convicted the first to fourth defendants on multiple counts, including membership of a terrorist organisation, conspiracy, and participation in the church attack.
The judge ruled that the prosecution’s evidence remained credible and was not effectively challenged by the defence.
The convicted men are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25. The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence to support the charges against him, including an allegation of financing terrorism.
The Owo church attack, which occurred during a church service on June 5, 2022, left dozens of worshippers dead and more than 100 others injured, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the state’s history.
Reacting to the judgment, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and the victims of the attack. He commended the judiciary, security agencies, investigators and prosecutors for their roles in securing the convictions.
According to the governor, the judgment sends a strong message that those responsible for acts of terror will face the full consequences of the law, regardless of how long it takes to bring them to justice.
Aiyedatiwa also praised the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community, noting that they remained committed to peace despite the trauma of the attack. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
While acknowledging that the verdict could not restore the lives lost, the governor said it offered a measure of closure for affected families and renewed hope in the justice system. He also prayed for the repose of the victims and comfort for their loved ones.
