The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment in the terrorism case involving the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, as heavy security is observed.
Five defendants, prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), are awaiting judgment over their alleged involvement in the deadly assault. They are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).
They are facing a nine-count terrorism charge in which the DSS alleged they were members of foreign terrorist groups and took part in the 5 June 2022 attack that left 42 people dead and more than 100 others injured.
Justice Emeka Nwite is expected to deliver judgment after hearing testimony from nine DSS witnesses who testified against the defendants. The accused persons, however, denied involvement in the attack and testified in their own defence without calling additional witnesses.
Security around the court premises was significantly tightened, with operatives of the DSS, Civil Defence, and the police deployed. Entry into the court complex was strictly controlled, with visitors undergoing thorough screening.
The charges allege, among other things, that the defendants joined a terrorist group believed to be linked to Al Shabab with a cell in Kogi State, and participated in planning meetings held between May and June 2022 across Kogi and Ondo States before carrying out the attack.
They are further accused of attacking worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles, holding victims hostage, and causing mass casualties.
According to the prosecution, the attack resulted in the death of over 40 worshippers and severe injuries to more than 100 others, with several victims named in the court documents.
The DSS also alleged that the defendants detonated explosives with intent to cause death and grievous bodily harm, offences which carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
