Four years after the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of a terrorist cell to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, massacre that claimed more than 40 lives and injured over 100 worshippers.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment after finding Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris guilty of terrorism offences brought against them by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted a fifth defendant, Momoh Abubakar, after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence linking him to the attack.
The ruling represents a major development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen accountability for violent attacks against civilians.
Court Links Convicts to Terror Cell
Justice Nwite held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the convicts were members of an Al-Shabaab terrorist cell operating in Kogi State and were involved in planning and executing the attack.
The court found that the suspects participated in the assault during a Pentecost service at the Catholic church, where attackers reportedly used improvised explosive devices and AK-47 rifles, causing widespread casualties and destruction.
The prosecution presented 11 witnesses and 23 exhibits, including confessional statements and digital forensic evidence from a mobile device allegedly containing communications connected to the planning and execution of the attack.
A survivor of the incident, a Catholic priest, testified about the chaos and devastation caused when explosive devices were detonated inside the church during worship.
Government Welcomes Verdict
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the judgment as a victory for justice and the rule of law, commending security agencies, investigators, and the judiciary for ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice.
He said the verdict demonstrated that acts of terrorism and violence against innocent citizens would not go unpunished.
“The diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary have shown that our government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people,” the governor said.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, also welcomed the ruling, describing it as justice served for victims and families affected by the tragedy.
He urged authorities to continue investigating the attack and prosecute any other individuals found to have played a role in the massacre.
Church Says Verdict Brings Relief but Pain Remains
The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, welcomed the judgment but noted that the emotional scars of the attack remain.
He described the incident as one of the darkest moments for the Catholic community and Ondo State, noting that many families continue to live with the consequences of losing loved ones.
While acknowledging the importance of accountability, the bishop said the conviction could not restore the lives lost in the attack.
Wider Security Implications
The judgment comes amid continued national and international concerns over terrorism and insecurity in parts of Nigeria.
Security analysts say the conviction highlights the importance of intelligence gathering, effective prosecution, and cooperation among security agencies in preventing future attacks and ensuring accountability.
The verdict also reinforces Nigeria’s efforts to demonstrate that terrorism-related crimes will face legal consequences, while supporting broader measures aimed at improving national security and protecting civilian pop