The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging for their involvement in the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, an incident that remains one of the most tragic acts of terrorism in Nigeria’s recent history.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, the court found the four defendants guilty of terrorism-related offences, conspiracy, mass murder, and participation in the June 5, 2022 attack that claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left more than 100 others with varying degrees of injuries.
The convicted terrorists were identified as Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al-Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (22), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25).
According to evidence presented before the court, the convicts were key members of an Al-Shabaab terrorist cell operating within Kogi State and played active roles in planning and executing the assault on St. Francis Catholic Church during a Sunday worship service attended by hundreds of congregants.
The attack, which shocked the nation and drew widespread international condemnation, saw heavily armed assailants invade the church premises, unleashing violence on innocent worshippers gathered for religious observance.
The massacre triggered national outrage and renewed concerns over the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism across parts of the country.
In its ruling, the court held that the prosecution had successfully established the culpability of the defendants beyond reasonable doubt. The judge noted that the evidence, including intelligence reports, witness testimonies and other material exhibits tendered during the trial, directly linked the convicts to the heinous attack.
Consequently, the court imposed the maximum punishment prescribed by law, sentencing all four terrorists to death by hanging.
Security experts and legal observers have described the judgment as a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism, noting that it sends a strong message that perpetrators of violent crimes against innocent citizens will be brought to justice regardless of the time involved in investigations and prosecution.
The Owo church massacre remains one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s history, leaving families devastated and communities traumatized. For many victims and their relatives, the court’s verdict represents a crucial step toward accountability and justice.
The Federal Government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring that all individuals involved in acts of violence against Nigerians face the full weight of the law.
