DSS Witness Details Funding and Arming of Owo Church Attack Suspects
A prosecution witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) has provided chilling testimony before the Federal High Court in Abuja, asserting that the individuals charged in connection with the devastating June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, were systematically funded, armed, and mobilized for the deadly operation. The witness, identified as SSI for security purposes, testified under protective measures as the ninth prosecution witness (PW-9), revealing that he spearheaded the counter-terrorism investigation into the horrific incident that resulted in over 40 fatalities and more than 100 injuries.
ISWAP Cell Involvement and Operational Details
Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) before Justice Emeka Nwite, the DSS operative stated that thorough investigations conclusively established the accused persons as active members of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a proscribed terrorist organization. According to his testimony, this group maintained an operational cell spanning the Okene/Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State and sections of Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, under the leadership of an individual known as Odoba, who remains at large and evading capture.
The DSS confirmed the arrest of five suspects in August 2022 across Kogi and Ondo states: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar. The witness detailed that on May 30, 2022, a critical meeting was convened at Government Secondary School in Ogaminana, Kogi State, where explicit instructions were issued to execute an attack on the Owo church during Sunday service, with specific targeting of the priest. Subsequent meetings were held to finalize operational plans, with additional reinforcements identified as Mohammed and Abdullahi.
Weapons Supply and Attack Execution
According to the sworn testimony, the terrorist cell was supplied with an arsenal of weapons including five AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines, substantial ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) specifically for this operation. The group allegedly conducted a "dry practice," a rehearsal without live ammunition, on the eve of the attack to ensure precision and coordination.
PW-9 informed the court that on the morning of June 5, 2022, the suspects traveled to Owo in a vehicle with weapons concealed within sacks. Upon arrival at the church premises, they reportedly opened indiscriminate fire and detonated explosives both inside and around the sacred building, creating chaos and devastation. The witness confirmed that 40 victims, including numerous women and children, later succumbed to their injuries at the Federal Medical Centre, while dozens of others sustained severe wounds. Photographic evidence from the crime scene and comprehensive medical reports were formally tendered and admitted as exhibits without objection from the defense counsel.
Financial Transactions and Technical Evidence
The witness further testified that the fifth defendant played a pivotal financial role in facilitating the attack. He alleged that this suspect operated multiple Point of Sale (POS) outlets and received N800,000 in two separate transactions in the weeks preceding the incident. These funds, according to the testimony, were distributed among group members, with no substantiating evidence of legitimate business transactions to justify the transfers.
Technical evidence presented indicated clear communication patterns between the fifth defendant and the other accused persons around the time of the attack, strengthening the prosecution's case regarding coordination and conspiracy. A comprehensive investigation report compiled by the DSS was also admitted into evidence during the proceedings. Defense counsel Abdullahi Mohammad did not oppose the admission of this document but requested adequate time to review its contents thoroughly before cross-examining the witness.
Legal Proceedings and Adjournment
Justice Emeka Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until February 18 for continuation of the trial, allowing both prosecution and defense to prepare for further legal arguments and examination. This testimony marks a significant development in the ongoing judicial process, shedding light on the meticulous planning, external funding, and terrorist network involvement behind one of Nigeria's most tragic acts of violence against worshippers.
