Court Convicts Four Terror Suspects in Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging.
The court convicted them over their role in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
However, the court discharged a fifth defendant for lack of evidence.
DSS Brought Nine-Count Terrorism Charges
The Department of State Services (DSS) filed a nine-count terrorism charge against the suspects on behalf of the Federal Government.
Those convicted include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), and Abdulhaleem Idris (25).
Meanwhile, the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), was cleared by the court.
Judge Finds Evidence Proved Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday.
He said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He also confirmed that the defendants belonged to a terrorist cell that carried out the attack.
Furthermore, he ruled that they actively participated in the planning and execution of the assault.
Attack Left Over 40 Worshippers Dead
The attackers struck during Pentecost service at the church.
As a result, more than 40 worshippers died, while over 100 others suffered injuries.
In addition, the court heard that the assailants invaded the church, took worshippers hostage, and destroyed property.
Weapons and Explosives Used in Attack
Prosecutors told the court that the attackers used AK-47 rifles and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
They said the attack formed part of a broader extremist agenda.
Moreover, they linked the defendants to a terrorist cell operating in Kogi State.
Prosecution Presents Witnesses and Evidence
To support its case, the DSS called 11 witnesses before the court.
It also tendered 23 exhibits as evidence.
These included confessional statements and a digital forensic report. Additionally, investigators presented a phone containing alleged communications between the suspects before and after the attack.
Court Upholds Terrorism Convictions
Finally, the court upheld the convictions and imposed the death penalty on the four defendants.
The ruling marks one of the most significant judgments related to the deadly Owo church attack.
