JUST IN: Owo church attack: Court sentences four convicts to death by hanging

Published

June 3, 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four of the five defendants convicted for their involvement in the 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State, to death by hanging.

Judge Emeka Nwite, in a judgment , held that the Department of State Services (DSS), the prosecution in the trial, had been able to prove the charge against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendants were convicted on a nine-count charge preferred against them by the DSS.

The four convicts are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26 and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.

Justice Nwite, who held that evidence presented had proven that the four men perpetrated the act, however acquitted the 5th defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, of the charge.

NAN reports that no fewer than 41 worshippers were killed and over 100 others injured during the terror attack that occurred on June 5, 2022 Sunday mass.

Delivering the judgment , Justice Nwite, reviewed the evidence presented by the DSS and defence.

“The prosecution has successfully established the nine-count charge against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants beyond reasonable doubt,” he ruled.

The judge, therefore, convicted Omeiza, Idris, Abdulmalik and Idris, and discharged and acquitted Abubakar, the oldest among them, of all nine counts.

On count one, which accused the defendants of belonging to a proscribed terrorist group known as Al-Shabaab, the judge reviewed the evidence presented by one of the DSS investigators identified as SSI.

He held the witness testified that the four defendants belonged to an extremist group operating in parts of Kogi and Ondo State under the coordination of one “Adoba.”

The judge said the evidence of the prosecution witness was not shaken, while the confessional statements of the convicts corroborated the prosecution’s case.

“From the foregoing, it is clear as day that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants belong to a proscribed terrorist group, Al-Shabaab,” he ruled.

On count two, which accused the defendants of attending meetings where the Owo church attack was allegedly planned, the judge said the prosecution alleged that meetings were held on “30th May, 1st June, and 4th June, 2022 at Government Secondary School, Ogaminana, Kogi, and at a local mosque where the 2nd defendant’s father served as chief imam.”

He observed that the prosecution alleged that the meetings were organised to plan the attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo.

“The evidence by the prosecution witness was neither shaken nor discredited under cross examination,” the judge said.

He added that it was corroborated “by the confessional statements of Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris.”

While Abubakar denied attending any meeting connected to the attack, the judge held that the prosecution failed to link Abubakar to the meetings.

On count three, which bordered on conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, the judge reviewed the law and judicial authorities.

He held:”court can infer conspiracy from the acts of the defendants towards the commission of the offence.”

The court also relied on forensic evidence tendered by the prosecution.

Justice Nwite said the evidence showed direct communication among the defendants within months leading to the attack.

“The inference to be drawn from the evidence before the court is that the 1st to 4th defendant conspired with Adoba and others,” he said.

He held that the prosecution evidence remained unshaken during cross examination.

He, however, said Abubakar was not linked to the conspiracy.

On counts four and five, which bordered on hostage taking, kidnapping, hijacking, and possession of dangerous weapons, the judge juxtaposed the act with law.

He reviewed provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act relating to seizure of facilities, threats to life and hostage taking resulting in death.

He said evidence before the court showed that worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church were attacked during service, leading to the death of more than 41 persons and injuries to over 100 others.

The judge relied on testimonies of victims and other prosecution witnesses and noted that “The evidence by the prosecution witnesses was neither shaken nor discredited.”

He said this was contrary to the case of Abubakar who was not linked to the actual attack on the church.

On count six, which bordered on terrorism financing and possession and use of dangerous weapons, the judge reviewed evidence against Abubakar separately from the others.

The prosecution had alleged that Abubakar acted as a financial channel for the group and distributed funds before the attack through his point of sale terminals.

Justice Nwite noted that a DSS witness identified as SSI, told the court that about N800,000 moved through accounts linked to Abubakar weeks before the incident.

The prosecution also alleged that Abubakar maintained communication with members of the group during the period.

However, Abubakar denied the allegations.

Nut the judge held that the prosecution failed to establish the terrorism financing allegation against Abubakar beyond reasonable doubt.

He, therefore, discharged and acquitted him on count six.

The judge, however, held that the prosecution proved the count six case against the four convicts.

The judge, thereafter, considered counts seven to nine together, describing them as similar in nature.

Nwite, who said the counts bordered on the use and detonation of explosives at a public place resulting in death, grievous bodily harm and destruction, said the DSS was able to prove that the explosions caused deaths, injuries and destruction within the church premises.

He held that the confessional statements tendered by the prosecutiin were valid and voluntarily made.

He rejected claims that they were written and forced on the defendants by the DSS operatives.

He noted that the statements were signed, thumb-printed and not challenged in court.

He described the forensic digital evidence and call records showing repeated communication between key defendants before and after the attack as strong circumstantial evidence forming a chain of guilt.

The judge held that eyewitnesses and investigators gave consistent evidence that remained unshaken under cross examination.

Having found the four men guilty of the nine counts, the judge imposed life imprisonment on count one.

On count two and three, he imposed a 20-year imprisonment without option of fine.

The judge also imposed death sentences on counts four, five, six, seven, eight and nine and ordered that the convicts be “hanged by the neck until death.”

“May the Lord have mercy on your souls,” Justice Nwite said.(NAN)

News

Government agency demolishes building used as kidnappers’ hideout

Published

20 hours ago

June 9, 2026

olalekan

Government agency demolishes building used as kidnappers’ hideout

The Oyo State Government has demolished the three-bedroom bungalow where kidnappers held hostage Mrs Busayo Adelabu John-Paul and her twin sons in Ibadan.
Mrs Adelabu John-Paul and the twins, the younger sister and nephews of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, were abducted at Elewura area of Ring Road in Ibadan on June 3.
The hostages were, however, rescued by the police on Saturday night at Lako Community, Ayegun Anaye area of Ibadan, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralised and others arrested.
The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday by a team led by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
The commissioner said that the demoltion was part of efforts by the government to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
According to Mogbonjubola, the state government has also revoked the land from its owner in its commitment to ensure safety of lives and combat insecurity in the state.
He admonished landlords’ associations, housing agents and residents in the state to always be vigilant about their surrounding and tenants living in their areas.
The commissioner advised residents to alert security agents and the government to any suspicious criminal activities.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Landlords Association, Ayegun- Lako Community, Mr Matthew Olaiya, said that occupants of the three-bedroom bungalow rented the apartment recently.
Olaiya said that the occupants of the building always returned late in the night and used to be away for days.
Also present during the demolition was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Prince Goke Adenrele and other officials of the ministry (NAN)

News

Fed Govt decries attacks on Nigerians in S/ Africa, plans retaliatory response

Published

20 hours ago

June 9, 2026

olalekan

Fed Govt decries attacks on Nigerians in S/ Africa, plans retaliatory response

The Federal Government has again strongly condemned the attacks, harassment and forced displacement of Nigerians in South Africa, saying it is considering appropriate measures in response.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this while speaking with State House Correspondents on Monday in Abuja.

According to the minister, many Nigerians are unhappy with the treatment of their compatriots in South Africa, considering Nigeria’s historical support for the country’s anti-apartheid struggle.

“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence.

“Nigeria committed funds and resources. Seats were reserved for South African students, and many Nigerians actively supported the anti-apartheid movement,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Federal Government had not ruled out any response, including possible retaliatory measures, although any decision would be taken at the highest level of government.

“That is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature and the highest levels of government, but it is not off the table,” she said.

On the evacuation of affected Nigerians, the minister said arrangements were ongoing to repatriate those willing to return home.

She explained that, although, the airlift did not commence on Monday as initially expected, documentation and other formalities were being concluded.

“The repatriation is on course. Mr President has reiterated that the aircraft will go to South Africa and our citizens who are affected will have the opportunity to return home,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the number of Nigerians seeking evacuation continued to rise, adding that screening processes involving both Nigerian and South African authorities were ongoing.

She disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the immediate establishment of a crisis response unit at Nigeria’s Consulate in Johannesburg and the country’s mission in Pretoria to coordinate assistance for affected citizens.

The minister dismissed claims that the affected Nigerians were illegal migrants, insisting that many were legitimate residents and business owners.

According to her, some Nigerians had suffered attacks on their businesses and properties, while others faced intimidation and insecurity.

“To say that Nigerians in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Federal Government, working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies, had put plans in place to support and rehabilitate returnees.

“This evacuation is being undertaken with NEMA and other government agencies to ensure that those who return are properly rehabilitated,” she said. (NAN

News

Troops neutralise terrorist scout, arrest suspects recover weapons, ammunition

Published

21 hours ago

June 9, 2026

olalekan

Troops neutralise terrorist scout, arrest suspects recover weapons, ammunition

The Nigerian Army says its troops have in the last 24 hours, recorded significant operational successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in various operations across the country.

The operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, indicated that troops neutralised a terrorist scout, apprehended several suspects and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment.

In Borno, the report said troops of 73 Battalion (Motorised) neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation near Malari village in Konduga Local Government Area after the suspect ignored repeated warnings to halt.

It also disclosed that troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion recovered seven motorcycles, a PKT machine gun, 1,010 rounds of QJC ammunition and other military items during exploitation operations following the recent terrorist attack on Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area.

It added that troops of 145 Battalion arrested a suspected drug peddler in Damasak and recovered illicit substances, while troops of 144 Battalion apprehended a suspected terrorist informant in Madagali, Adamawa.

In Kaduna State, the report said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma fought through an ambush mounted by more than 50 suspected terrorists during a fighting patrol in Kachia Local Government Area and forced the criminals to retreat.

It added that troops of 1 Brigade Quick Response Force apprehended eight suspected terrorists in Zamfara and recovered seven motorcycles, mobile phones, power banks, handheld radios, camouflage uniforms and other items.

“In Niger State, troops of Operation Savannah Shield arrested three suspected terrorists linked to the abduction of a medical doctor and recovered phones, cash and materials believed to be connected to criminal activities.

“The troops also apprehended two suspected terrorist spies allegedly conducting reconnaissance around military facilities in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.

“In Plateau, troops launched a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of a three-year-old girl in Bassa Local Government Area and arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant in Mangu Local Government Area,” it said.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered a locally fabricated pistol abandoned by fleeing bandits in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue.

“Similarly, troops of 14 Brigade and other security agencies arrested three suspected gunrunners in Abia and recovered seven Dane guns, 22 live cartridges and a motorcycle.

“In Rivers, troops conducting anti-illegal bunkering operations uncovered and destroyed an illegal refining site in Orashi National Forest, recovering equipment and petroleum products used for illicit activities.

“Ongoing operations across various theatres remain focused on sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and othercriminal elements threatening national security,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)