Full Breakdown
Four Men Sentenced to Death for Owo Church Terror Attack
6/3/2026, 9:58:26 PM
The Verdict and Charges
On 3 June 2026, Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite, sentenced four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26) and Abdulhaleem Idris (25)—to death by hanging for nine-count terrorism indictment over the 2022 Owo church attack. Judgment also imposes imprisonment for terrorist-group membership and 20-year terms for conspiracy. Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) was acquitted for insufficient evidence.
Attack Overview
On 5 June 2022, gunmen attacked St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during a Pentecost service, opening fire with AK-47 rifles and detonating explosives. Dozens were killed and over a hundred wounded. Assault, among the deadliest on a Nigerian place of worship, was linked to ISWAP before prosecutors tied it to an Al Shabaab cell.
Participants and Evidence
The four men were alleged members of an Al Shabaab cell in Kogi State, a claim filed by the DSS. Ayodeji Adedipe and Abdullahi Mohammad led case. Eleven witnesses—including a priest and a survivor who lost a leg and an eye—testified, and 23 exhibits, including confessional statements and a technophone, supported nine terrorism counts covering group membership, conspiracy and possession of explosives and firearms.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors said case proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt and urged maximum penalty. The court noted presidential assent is needed before any death sentence can be carried out.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense counsel alleged torture of the accused and argued it did not support convicting the fifth defendant. President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians; government rejects the claim, while human-rights groups note jihadist victims are Muslims, disputing claims of a Christian-targeted genocide.
On-the-Ground Reports
A priest testified that attackers detonated at least three explosives inside sanctuary; a survivor reported losing a leg and an eye; witness identified two convicted men among the gunmen.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources report death tolls of 41, “at least 50,” or “more than 40.” Al Shabaab has not claimed responsibility, and presence in Nigeria is unverified. ISWAP attribution was dropped without clarification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Justice has been served, justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood.” — Ayodeji Adedipe, Senior Advocate, Prosecutor
- “Judge Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, said the evidence presented against them was "neither shaken nor contradicted during cross examination".” — Justice Emeka Nwite
- “The evidence before the court sufficiently established the participation of the defendants in the activities of the terrorist group, including the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo,” — Justice Emeka Nwite
- “The attack, which took place on June 5, 2022 at the church, left no fewer than 41 worshippers dead while over a 100 others sustained varying degree of injuries.” — News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
What’s Next
Defense signaled an appeal, and presidential assent will determine whether death sentences are carried out. Security officials warn that attacks on churches persist, highlighting challenges to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
