Four men linked to the Al-Shabaab terrorist network have been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal High Court in Abuja over their roles in the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022.
The convicted individuals — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris — were found guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges brought before the court. The attack claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left over 100 others injured during a church service.
In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence proving the involvement of the four defendants in the terrorist operation. The court held that they were active members of a terrorist cell operating from Kogi State and participated directly in the assault on the church.
A fifth suspect, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was cleared of all charges after the court ruled that there was not enough evidence connecting him to the incident.
During the trial, prosecutors presented several witnesses and documentary evidence, including forensic reports and communications allegedly linked to the defendants. Testimonies heard by the court described how the attackers used explosives and firearms during the attack, causing heavy casualties among worshippers.
After reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that the prosecution had successfully established the guilt of the four convicts beyond reasonable doubt, leading to their conviction and death sentence on terrorism charges.
