Suspects arraigned over 2022 Owo church terror attack
By Samuel Ogunsona
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of five suspected terrorists accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The attack was executed on the eve of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential primary scheduled for Abuja.
The suspects, Idris Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; Abdulhaleem Idris, 25; and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them by the Federal Government.
All the suspects are not from the South West.
The Owo church attack occurred on June 5, 2022, during a Pentecost Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Gunmen disguised as congregants and others positioned outside the church detonated improvised explosive devices and opened fire on worshippers, killing at least 40 people and injuring over 100 others.
The attack was widely condemned, and the Federal Government suspected the Islamic State – West Africa Province of carrying out the massacre.
According to reports, the attack happened on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, resulting in a confirmed death toll of at least 40 people, with estimates ranging up to 80. Over 100 people were injured, with 61 injured survivors still in the hospital as of June 9, 2022.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Calistus Eze, applied for a trial date and for the defendants’ continued remand in DSS custody.
“In view of the not guilty plea made by the defendants, we apply for a date to present our witnesses for trial and apply that they be remanded in the custody of the DSS,” Eze said.
The defense counsel, Abdullahi Muhammad, urged the court to allow the defendants access to their relatives and lawyers, noting that they had been in custody since 2022 without access.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to August 19 for trial and ordered the defendants’ remand in DSS custody.
Nigeria has experienced a surge in violent attacks and terrorist activities in recent years, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.
The Owo church attack was one of several incidents that highlighted the growing threat of terrorism and sectarian violence in the country.
The case highlights the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and ensure justice for victims and their families.
The trial of the suspects is set to continue on August 19.
