Owo Church Attack: Aiyedatiwa hails death sentence for four convicts

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the conviction and death sentence imposed on four individuals found guilty of participating in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, calling the ruling a victory for justice and the rule of law.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor lauded the judiciary, security agencies, and the prosecution team for securing the conviction of the suspects.

Aiyedatiwa said the judgment underscored the government’s determination to hold perpetrators of terrorism and violent crime accountable.

“This judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” the governor said.

He highlighted the diligence of investigators, the commitment of prosecutors, and the courage displayed by the court during the trial, noting that these factors have reinforced public confidence in the justice system.

The governor also expressed gratitude to the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community for their resilience after the attack, which left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured.

According to him, despite the trauma, residents have remained committed to peace and unity.

Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen the protection of public spaces across the state.

He added that the verdict offers some measure of closure to victims’ families and renews hope that justice can prevail.

The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four defendants to death by hanging on Wednesday after finding them guilty of carrying out the deadly attack on the Owo church.

The convicts—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—were among five persons arraigned on a nine‑count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services.

Trial judge Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting the four defendants on all counts, including membership of a proscribed terrorist group, conspiracy, kidnapping, hostage‑taking, and the killing of worshippers.

The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes.

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