A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their roles in the 5 June 2022 attack on the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, while one defendant was discharged and acquitted.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday after reviewing evidence in the terrorism case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court found Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25) guilty on multiple counts linked to the attack. Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) was cleared of all charges.
Prosecutors told the court that the defendants were connected to a proscribed terror cell and participated in planning and executing the assault during Sunday Mass. The attack left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt. He also referenced evidence indicating links between the convicted defendants and a violent extremist network operating within Nigeria.
The court’s decision followed months of testimony from witnesses, including survivors, security operatives, and forensic experts. Investigators presented digital tracking and communication records as part of their case.
During the trial, defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of confessional statements, arguing they were obtained under duress. The court, however, admitted the statements after a trial-within-trial process.
Abubakar, the fifth defendant, was acquitted after the court found that the prosecution did not establish his involvement in financing or executing the attack.
The attack on the church, located in Owo, Ondo State, drew national and international condemnation after gunmen reportedly stormed the building with explosives and firearms during Pentecost Sunday service.
All four convicted men remain in custody pending further sentencing procedures on remaining counts.
