“The judgment is being viewed as a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, particularly in addressing extremist cells operating across state lines”
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment in one of Nigeria’s most horrifying terror cases, sentencing four men to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, convicted four out of the five defendants on a nine-count terrorism charge, ruling that the prosecution—led by the Department of State Services (DSS)—proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
FOUR CONVICTED, ONE FREED
The court found that the convicted men operated what it described as an Al-Shabaab-linked terrorist cell allegedly based in Kogi State.
Those sentenced to death by hanging are:
Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25)
Al Qasim Idris (20)
Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
However, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the attack.
MULTIPLE SENTENCES ACROSS COUNTS
In addition to the death penalty on counts four through nine, the convicts also received:
Life imprisonment on count one
20 years imprisonment each on counts two and three
The court held that the offences included terrorism financing, conspiracy, hostage-taking, illegal possession of weapons, and participation in coordinated violent attacks using explosives and firearms.
HOW THE PROSECUTION BUILT ITS CASE
According to court proceedings and reports, the DSS presented 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including:
Forensic intelligence reports
Mobile phone and communication logs
Voluntary confessional statements
The defence team had pushed for acquittal, but the court rejected their arguments, stating that the totality of digital and circumstantial evidence was overwhelming.
BACKGROUND: A DAY THAT SHOOK THE NATION
The attack on Owo Church Massacre remains one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent Nigerian history.
The Pentecost Sunday massacre left at least 41 worshippers dead and more than 140 injured, turning a place of worship into a scene of devastation and national mourning.
A VERDICT WITH NATIONAL WEIGHT
The judgment is being viewed as a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, particularly in addressing extremist cells operating across state lines.
While the convicts face final punishment under the law, the emotional wounds of Owo remain open—etched into the national memory as a reminder of both vulnerability and the long pursuit of justice.
