Four Sentenced to Death Over Owo Church Attack

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death for their role in the June 5, 2022, attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentences. The four convicted men, Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris, were ordered to die by hanging.

The fifth accused, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted of all charges after the court found insufficient evidence to link him to the attack.

Details of the Conviction

The men were prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on nine separate counts, including murder and terrorism-related offences. Justice Nwite found the four guilty on all counts, concluding that their actions directly contributed to the violent attack on worshippers at the church.

The June 2022 incident at St. Francis Catholic Church shocked the nation. Worshippers were attacked during a service, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The attack drew widespread condemnation and intensified calls for stronger security measures in places of worship.

Significance of the Judgment

The sentencing underscores the Nigerian judiciary’s stance on acts of terrorism and mass violence. It sends a strong message that attacks targeting innocent civilians, particularly in places of worship, will attract the heaviest penalties under Nigerian law.

Justice Nwite emphasised the seriousness of the crime and the need to deter future attacks through strict enforcement of the law.

Next Steps

The convicted men have the right to appeal the judgment in higher courts. Legal experts note that appeals in capital cases are common, but the conviction may stand if the evidence remains solid.