NG Govt arraigns Al-Shabab terrorists over killing of 40 worshippers in Owo church

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers died

The five accused persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

Over 40 people were reported to have died in the attack, while over 100 others sustained injuries.

The five defendants were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the Department of State Services, DSS.

They are accused of being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, belonging to a cell in Kogi State.

The defendants are also alleged to have carried out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology.

They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them by an official of the court.

Following their not guilty plea, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze urged the court to order that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending trial.

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers died

The five accused persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.

Over 40 people were reported to have died in the attack, while over 100 others sustained injuries.

The five defendants were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the Department of State Services, DSS.

They are accused of being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, belonging to a cell in Kogi State.

The defendants are also alleged to have carried out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology.

They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them by an official of the court.

Following their not guilty plea, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze urged the court to order that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending trial.

Defence lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad however prayed the court to order the DSS to allow members of the defendants’ families and their lawyers to have access to them.

Muhammad said the defendants have been in custody since 2022 when they were arrested and have not had access to family members and lawyers.

Eze said it was the standard practice that detainees’ family members and lawyers should be granted access after a formal written request.

He noted that it has become inevitable at this stage that the defendants be allowed access to their lawyers to enable them prepare their defence.

Ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the DSS grant the defendants access to members of their families and their lawyers.

He then adjourned till August 19 for the commencement of trial.