Court Sentences Four to Death Over Owo Catholic Church Massacre

Nearly four years after one of Nigeria’s most horrifying attacks on a place of worship, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 massacre at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite found the defendants guilty on all nine counts contained in the terrorism charges filed against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The convicts, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris, were convicted for terrorism-related offences, including membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, conspiracy, kidnapping, hostage-taking and the killing of worshippers during the attack.

The court held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt through witness testimonies, investigative findings and other evidence tendered during the trial.

Justice Nwite ruled that the crimes committed by the defendants violated provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and warranted the maximum punishment prescribed by law.

However, the court discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, after finding that prosecutors failed to establish sufficient evidence linking him to the attack.

The Owo church massacre shocked Nigeria and the international community after heavily armed attackers stormed Saint Francis Catholic Church during Sunday Mass, opening fire on worshippers and detonating explosives.

More than 40 people were killed, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation from religious leaders, civil society organisations, governments and international bodies, with repeated calls for justice and accountability.

During the lengthy trial, the DSS presented multiple witnesses and investigative evidence aimed at establishing the defendants’ involvement in the attack.

The court also admitted confessional statements made by the accused persons after conducting a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were voluntarily obtained.

In their final submissions, prosecutors urged the court to impose the death penalty, arguing that the scale of the attack and the loss of innocent lives justified the maximum punishment.

Defence counsel, however, asked the court to acquit the defendants, maintaining that the prosecution failed to conclusively establish their involvement.

The verdict represents one of the most significant terrorism convictions in recent years and marks a major milestone in efforts to secure justice for victims of the Owo church massacre and their families.