The Federal Government has arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead and more than 100 injured.
The accused — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — face a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). Prosecutors allege they are members of an Al-Shabab terrorist cell based in Kogi State and that the attack was carried out to further their religious ideology.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants:
- Joined Al-Shabab in 2021 and participated in planning meetings in Kogi and Ondo
- Attacked worshippers armed with AK-47 rifles and IEDs, killing over 40 people and injuring more than 100
- Detonated explosives with the intent to cause death and grievous harm
All five pleaded not guilty. The prosecution requested their continued detention in DSS custody, while the defence sought court orders granting family and legal access, citing their incommunicado detention since 2022.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the accused remain in DSS custody but must be allowed access to their relatives and lawyers. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 19, 2025.
This case marks a critical step in seeking justice for one of Nigeria’s deadliest church attacks in recent years, which shocked the nation and drew global condemnation.
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