The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Wednesday, June 3, 2026, for the final judgment in the trial of five suspected terrorists accused of the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The court had earlier reserved judgment on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after both the prosecution and defense lawyers presented their final written addresses.
Judgment Date Set
Justice Emeka Nwite informed the parties that the judgment would be delivered on June 3. The five accused persons—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)—were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and charged on a nine-count terrorism charge.
Background of the Attack
The charges stem from the June 5, 2022, attack on the church that claimed the lives of at least 41 worshippers and injured 69 others. The attackers threw explosives towards the altar, scattering the congregation and causing significant casualties. The DSS accused the defendants of being members of the Al Shabab terrorist group, with cells in Kogi State, and of planning and executing the attack. The defendants allegedly attended meetings between May 30 and June 4, 2022, where they conspired to carry out the assault.
Trial Proceedings
During the trial that began on August 1, 2025, the prosecution called 11 witnesses to establish the defendants’ involvement. The court also admitted the defendants’ confessional statements after a trial-within-trial confirmed they were voluntarily given. While the accused denied involvement, they testified on their own behalf but did not call other witnesses.
The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ayodeji Adedipe, urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the death penalty, citing the severity of their actions. Defense counsel Abdullahi Mohammad asked the court to discharge and acquit the accused, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Security Measures
Security around the Federal High Court has been tightened as the accused were brought into the courtroom under heavy protection by the DSS, Civil Defense, and police. Strict security checks were conducted on all persons entering the court premises to prevent breaches.
Charges and Penalties
The accused face charges including possession of IEDs and AK-47 rifles, causing death and grievous bodily harm, and conspiracy to commit terrorism, all punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Penalties for conviction range from death to life imprisonment.
