A report from DAILY POST has it that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgement on Wednesday after finding the defendants guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
The convicts are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al-Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25. The court, however, discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, after ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a case against him beyond reasonable doubt.
The four convicted persons were accused of belonging to the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and participating in the deadly attack on worshippers during a Pentecost Sunday service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
Justice Nwite held that the prosecution successfully proved all the charges against the defendants through documentary evidence, confessional statements, forensic reports and witness testimonies.
According to the court, the convicts were actively involved in terrorist activities and participated in meetings held in Kogi and Ondo states where plans for the attack were allegedly perfected.
The Federal Government had accused the defendants of operating a terrorist cell in Kogi State and deploying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles during the church attack, which was carried out in furtherance of the group’s extremist ideology.
During the trial, the prosecution called 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including digital forensic evidence obtained from mobile devices allegedly used by the suspects before and after the attack.
One of the witnesses, a Catholic priest who presided over the service on the day of the incident, narrated how gunshots and explosions suddenly disrupted the mass, throwing worshippers into panic.
He described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, recalling how many worshippers were killed or wounded in what remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent years.
Reacting to the judgement, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described the verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law and the families of the victims.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor commended the judiciary, security agencies and prosecutors for ensuring that justice was served.
“This judgement sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor also paid tribute to the resilience of the Owo community and the Catholic faithful, assuring residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security measures across the state.
Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, welcomed the judgement, describing it as a major relief to the people of Owo and Nigerians who were deeply affected by the tragedy.
“We are happy that justice has been served. However, security agencies should continue investigations to identify and apprehend other possible accomplices involved in the attack,” the monarch said.
Also reacting, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, praised the court’s decision, noting that consistent prosecution and punishment of criminals would help address insecurity across the country.
The June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation from local and international communities. Wednesday’s verdict marks a significant milestone in the quest for justice for the victims and their families.