The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four out of five terrorists to death by hanging for the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of 43 worshippers. The convicted individuals are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years). Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years) was discharged and acquitted of all charges.
Judicial Verdict
Justice Emeka Nwite found the four guilty on all nine counts of terrorism. The judge stated that the evidence presented by the Federal Government was credible, cogent, positive, verifiable, and compelling, warranting their convictions. The court dismissed the defendants' claims that their extra-judicial statements were made under duress, noting that their signatures and thumbprints contradicted their denials.
Governor's Reaction
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hailed the judgment as a victory for the innocent victims. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor emphasized that justice has prevailed and commended the prosecution team and the judiciary for their courage. He reiterated that the government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.
Aiyedatiwa reassured residents that his administration will continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces, and prevent such tragedies from recurring. He described the judgment as providing closure and hope that justice is possible, and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for their families.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred on June 5, 2022, when gunmen opened fire on worshippers during a church service, killing 43 people and injuring many others. The convicts were part of a proscribed Al-Shabab terrorist group, having joined through an individual named Odoba. They held a meeting at Government High School in Ogaminana, Kogi State, where the decision to attack the church was made. The final planning was conducted near Owo in Ondo State.
Trial Proceedings
The defendants initially pleaded not guilty, prompting the Federal Government to secure an accelerated trial order. The prosecution called 11 witnesses, including eyewitnesses and security operatives who used call location data and network towers to identify the convicts. The government presented 23 exhibits, including confessional extra-judicial statements made during interrogation, which were witnessed by a Legal Aid Council lawyer, Daniel Hassan.
At the close of the prosecution's case, the convicts chose to defend themselves without calling any witnesses. The court found that the four convicted persons detonated an improvised explosive device that killed 43 people instantly and caused bodily harm to 163 other worshippers.
