Trial of Suspects in Owo Catholic Church Attack Progresses

On June 5, 2022, a terrorist attack occurred at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of 41 individuals and injuries to over 140 others during a Pentecost Mass. The attack was attributed to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a proscribed terrorist group.

How suspected terrorists planned, carried out Owo church attack – SSS operative

The Federal High Court in Abuja is currently hearing the case against five defendants: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years). The prosecution has presented evidence, including confessional statements and a Digital Forensic Examination Report, which indicated communication among the defendants before and after the attack. The court admitted these exhibits without objection from the defense.

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for AttackCourt admits more evidence against Owo Catholic Church attackersHow suspected terrorists planned, carried out Owo church attack – SSS operative

A senior operative from the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as SSI, testified that intelligence gathering and technical tracking led to the suspects' arrests in August 2022 across Kogi and Ondo States. The investigation revealed that the defendants were part of an ISWAP cell that had planned the attack, with specific instructions to kill the church's priest.

How suspected terrorists planned, carried out Owo church attack – SSS operative

The court heard that the attack was meticulously planned. On May 30, 2022, a meeting was held by the group’s leader, known as Odoba, where the attack on the church was discussed. The defendants allegedly practiced with weapons and coordinated logistics, including the acquisition of firearms and explosives. On the day of the attack, they arrived at the church concealed in a vehicle, where they executed the assault, resulting in chaos and numerous casualties.

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack

During the trial, the prosecution presented a comprehensive investigation report, medical records, and photographs from the attack scene. The evidence indicated that the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, had financial ties to the group, allegedly funding the operation through his Point of Sale (POS) business. His accounts were reportedly credited with significant amounts shortly before the attack, which were distributed to other group members.

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack

The prosecution has emphasized the use of technology in tracing the suspects, with the DSS operative stating, “Our investigation combined intelligence gathering and technical analysis, enabling operatives to identify and apprehend suspects across state lines.” The defense has requested time to review the evidence presented, indicating they were served documents shortly before the trial.

How suspected terrorists planned, carried out Owo church attack – SSS operative

While the prosecution has laid out a detailed case against the defendants, the defense has raised concerns about the timing and accessibility of evidence. The defense lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammed, noted the need for adequate time to study the investigation report before proceeding with cross-examination.

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack

The court has adjourned proceedings until March 4 and 5, 2024, allowing the defendants to prepare their defense. The trial continues to attract attention due to the severity of the charges and the implications for security in Nigeria.

Court admits more evidence against Owo Catholic Church attackers

• “Our investigation found out that the persons we arrested were members of Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a proscribed terrorist group, who belong to a cell that operated around Okene/Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, as well as Omielafa and Omielege in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State under the coordination of one Odoba.” — SSI, DSS Operative

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack

• “The incident occurred on the 5th June 2022, and I was mandated to lead a team of investigators to unravel the perpetrators, the cause of the incident, their sponsors, and any other findings that may arise,” — SSI, DSS Operative

How suspected terrorists planned, carried out Owo church attack – SSS operative

• “With that, we proceeded to gather intelligence and also exploited technical resources, which eventually led us to the arrest of five persons in the month of August 2022.” — SSI, DSS Operative

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack

• “The prosecution also tendered what it described as a comprehensive investigation report on the incident, in court on Tuesday, which the court admitted in evidence in the absence of objection from the defence.” — SSI, DSS Operative

Breaking: Owo Church Massacre: 9th DSS' Witness Tells Court How All Defendants Were Paid, Mobilized and Moved Weapons for Attack