FG to Arraign Five Suspects Over 2022 Owo Catholic Church Massacre
By IDNN Crime & Justice Desk
The arraignment of Owo Catholic Church massacre suspects marks a major milestone in the federal investigation into one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years.
On June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, became a killing field when gunmen stormed Sunday mass, opening fire and detonating explosives, killing scores and injuring dozens.
On Monday, heavily armed Department of State Services (DSS) operatives escorted the five accused into the courtroom of Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The suspects — Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are alleged to be members of an Al Shabab terrorist cell operating out of Kogi State.
Nine-Count Terrorism Indictment
According to the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office, the accused face nine counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count one alleges they joined and operated as members of Al Shabab in 2021. Other counts detail planning meetings on May 30, June 3, and June 4, 2022 — days before the attack — in Kogi and Ondo States.
The prosecution says the group’s “cell” orchestrated the Owo massacre, with further charges including murder, terrorism financing, and conspiracy.
National and International Reaction
The Owo attack shocked Nigeria and drew international condemnation, highlighting the growing reach of extremist groups beyond the country’s northeast. Pope Francis sent condolences, and global human rights organisations called for justice and protection of religious minorities.
Next Steps
As of Monday afternoon, the suspects had not yet taken pleas. The case is expected to test the government’s capacity to deliver swift justice in high-profile terrorism cases. The trial will continue in Abuja, with proceedings under heavy security.
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