The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of five individuals linked to the deadly June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The suspects are to remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the commencement of their trial.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge on Monday. The court session marked the arraignment of the suspects, all of whom pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
The Defendants:
Idris Omeiza (25)
Al Qasim Idris (20)
Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
The five men are facing a nine-count charge (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025), including membership in a terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit terrorism, unlawful possession of explosives and firearms, and the killing of over 40 worshippers during the Owo church attack — an assault that left more than 100 others severely injured.
Background of the Case
Filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and presented in court by Federal Government counsel Calistus Eze, the charges allege that the defendants were part of a terrorist cell affiliated with the Al Shabab terrorist group. The cell was reportedly established in Kogi State in 2021.
According to court filings, the suspects held planning meetings on May 30, June 3, and June 4, 2022, at different locations in Kogi and Ondo States, including a government secondary school in Adavi LGA and behind a mosque in Ose LGA.
The prosecution alleges that on June 5, 2022, the suspects carried out a coordinated attack at St. Francis Catholic Church using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles. Among the victims were Ajanaku John, Onuoha Deborah, Onileke Esther, and John Bosede, whose deaths, along with over 40 others, were recorded during the attack.
The suspects are also accused of taking hostages and causing life-threatening injuries to over 100 churchgoers, including minors and elderly worshippers — all acts allegedly carried out to further a religious ideology. These offenses are punishable under various sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Eze requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in DSS custody. Defense counsel Abdullahi Muhammad did not object but urged the court to grant the suspects access to legal representation and family members — a right he claimed had been denied since their 2022 arrest.
In response, the prosecution assured the court that access would be granted upon submission of a formal request detailing the proposed time and date for visits.
Justice Nwite agreed to the prosecution’s application and scheduled August 19 as the official trial start date.
Next Steps
As the case proceeds, legal observers and human rights advocates are expected to closely monitor developments, especially given the high-profile nature of the attack and the wider implications for Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
