Court postpones verdict on Owo terror attack; DSS pushes for death penalty

The Federal High Court in Abuja reserved judgment on Tuesday in the case against five men accused of participating in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

The Department of State Services (DSS) charged Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar with nine counts of terrorism.

Justice Emeka Nwite announced the decision after the prosecution and defence lawyers delivered their final written submissions and oral arguments.

He said the judgment would be reserved for a future date, which will be communicated to the parties. The judge indicated that the notice could arrive within 24 hours.

In his closing remarks, prosecution lawyer Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum penalty of death, citing the gravity of the alleged crime.

Defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad requested the court to discharge and acquit his clients, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish its case.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 41 worshippers were killed and more than 140 were injured during the attack.

Since the trial began on Aug. 1, 2025, the DSS has called 11 witnesses. The court admitted the defendants’ confessional statements after confirming that they were given voluntarily.

At the start of the proceedings, the DSS sought an accelerated hearing, which the court granted.

(NAN)

The post Court reserves judgment in Owo terror attack; DSS seeks capital punishment appeared first on Vanguard News.