Owo Church Massacre: Five Arraigned After Three Years, Plead Not Guilty To Terrorism
Five men accused of carrying out the 2022 bombing of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have pleaded not guilty to nine counts of terrorism filed by the Federal Government.
The defendants — Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdul Malik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — were arraigned on Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Prosecutors alleged they were members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group operating a cell in Kogi State, Channels TV reports.
Justice Nwite fixed 19 August 2025 for the commencement of trial and ordered their remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The arraignment comes three years after then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced the arrest of those believed to be behind the attack, which the National Security Council had linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
On 5 June 2022, during Pentecost Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, armed men disguised as worshippers detonated explosives outside the building before opening fire from inside and outside.
The main entrance was reportedly locked, trapping congregants as over 40 people were killed and dozens injured.
According to the prosecution, the suspects met in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State and Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State to plan the attack days before it was executed.
The charges were brought under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
