…Court finds defendants guilty three years after deadly attack
More than three years after the deadly attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, justice has been served as a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four terrorists to death by hanging for their roles in the massacre.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris on terrorism charges linked to the June 2022 attack that claimed more than 40 lives and left over 100 people injured.
The convicts were prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government on a nine-count terrorism charge.
Evidence Proved Terror Network Involvement.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the prosecution successfully established the guilt of the four defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found that the evidence presented demonstrated their involvement in a terrorist network operating in Kogi State and their direct participation in the attack on worshippers gathered for a Pentecostal service at the church.
According to the prosecution, the attackers stormed the church armed with assault rifles and explosive devices, unleashing violence that resulted in widespread deaths, injuries, and destruction.
Survivor Testimony Strengthened Prosecution’s Case
To prove its case, the prosecution called 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including confessional statements, forensic reports, and electronic communications linked to the defendants.
One of the key witnesses, a Catholic priest who survived the attack, recounted how explosions rocked the church before gunmen opened fire on worshippers.
Justice Nwite said the combined witness testimonies, forensic evidence, and documentary exhibits clearly established the responsibility of the four convicts in the attack.
Fifth Suspect Acquitted
Meanwhile, a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled that the prosecution failed to sufficiently connect him to the terrorist operation or the church attack.
The June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation from religious leaders, civil society groups, and the international community.
Tags
Owo Church Attack, St. Francis Catholic Church, Terrorism, Federal High Court, DSS, Justice Emeka Nwite, Ondo State, Abuja Court, Death Sentence, Nigeria Security, Terrorism Trial, Owo Massacre
