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 allege they are members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group operating a cell in Kogi State, Channels TV reports.
Five men accused of orchestrating the 2022 bombing of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have pleaded not guilty to nine counts of terrorism brought against them 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 allege they are members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group operating a cell in Kogi State, Channels TV reports.
Justice Nwite fixed August 19, 2025, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the suspects be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The arraignment comes three years after the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced the arrest of those believed to be behind the deadly attack. At the time, the National Security Council linked the incident to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Background
Owo Church Massacre
On the morning of June 5, 2022, worshippers gathered at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, for Pentecost Mass. The tranquil town, known for its relative peace in southwestern Nigeria, was jolted into horror when gunmen disguised as congregants infiltrated the church.
As the service neared its end, explosions shattered the silence. Improvised explosive devices detonated outside the church, followed by a barrage of gunfire from both inside and outside the building.
Worshippers scrambled for safety, but the main entrance was locked. Chaos ensued and many were struck down in the crossfire.
By the time the attackers fled in a stolen Nissan Sunny, over 40 people lay dead, and dozens more were injured.
The massacre was one of the deadliest church attacks in Nigeria’s history, sparking national outrage and global condemnation.
In the months that followed, the Nigerian government launched a multi-agency investigation. By August 2022, then-Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced the arrest of several suspects.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, three years after the tragedy, five men were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Escorted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the suspects face nine counts of terrorism, including conspiracy, membership in a terrorist group, and direct involvement in the attack.
According to the prosecution, the group held planning meetings in Adavi LGA, Kogi State, and Ose LGA, Ondo State, just days before the massacre. The charges were filed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
