Story perspectives

Trial Begins for ISWAP Suspects in Deadly Church Attack

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing the case against five men accused of participating in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which killed 41 people and injured over 140.
A Department of State Services (DSS) officer testified that the defendants, linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), received funding and support for the attack.
The court admitted evidence, including confessional statements and forensic reports, showing communication among the defendants before and after the attack.
The trial will continue with the defendants scheduled to present their defense on March 4 and 5, 2026.

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Story summary

A Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing the case against five men accused of participating in the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which killed 41 people and injured over 140.
A Department of State Services (DSS) officer testified that the defendants, linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), received funding and support for the attack.
The court admitted evidence, including confessional statements and forensic reports, showing communication among the defendants before and after the attack.
The trial will continue with the defendants scheduled to present their defense on March 4 and 5, 2026.