Lead

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four men to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left at least 41 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured. The court also convicted the men on terrorism-related charges and ordered them to serve 20 years in prison for belonging to a terrorist group.

The convicted men are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25. A fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from AllAfrica and BBC Africa describe the sentencing as the culmination of a trial that began in August 2025 and lasted about nine months. Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that evidence presented was "neither shaken nor contradicted during cross examination." He imposed death sentences on five of the nine counts against the four men, and life imprisonment on one count, with 20-year terms on two others.

The attack occurred during a Pentecost Sunday Mass, when gunmen opened fire and detonated explosives inside and around the church. Witnesses, including a woman who lost both legs and her left eye in the explosion, testified during the trial.

Key Claims

  • Four men were sentenced to death for their roles in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
  • The attack occurred on June 5, 2022, during Sunday Mass, killing at least 41 people and injuring over 100 others.
  • The defendants were convicted of terrorism-related charges, including belonging to a terrorist organization known as "Al-Shabaab" operating in parts of Kogi and Ondo states under the coordination of one "Adoba," and participating in planning and carrying out the attack.
  • The prosecution presented evidence, including witness testimony and forensic analysis, to prove the defendants' involvement.
  • The defendants pleaded not guilty and alleged their confessional statements were obtained under duress, claiming they were tortured, including being hung from the ceiling and subjected to electric shocks.
  • Justice Nwite found that the prosecution established the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
  • Momoh Otuho Abubakar was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

Perspectives

Survivors and families: While welcoming the convictions, some survivors argue that the verdict does not address what they believe is the deeper structure behind the attack. Folayemi Margret Attah, who lost both legs and her left eye in the attack, said, "These people who were sentenced are only tools. There are sponsors behind them. The government should find those sponsors and do something about them." She also urged authorities to address insecurity in Nigeria.

Defense: The men's defense lawyer indicated they would appeal the sentence. During the trial, the defendants maintained that their confessions were coerced through torture.

Prosecution: Prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe said after the sentencing, "Justice has been served, justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood."