RismadarVoice Reporters, June 3, 2026
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four terrorists to death by hanging for their roles in the deadly attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of 43 worshippers on June 5, 2022.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite found the four defendants guilty on all nine counts brought against them and ordered that they be hanged until death.
The convicted persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, after finding insufficient grounds to convict him.
The attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo ranks among the deadliest terrorist incidents in Nigeria’s recent history. Armed attackers stormed the church during a Sunday service, opening fire on worshippers and causing dozens of casualties.
The incident sparked national and international condemnation, with religious leaders, civil society groups and government officials calling for justice for the victims and stronger measures to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
With Wednesday’s judgment, the court concluded one of the most closely watched terrorism trials arising from the Owo church massacre, marking a significant legal milestone in efforts to hold those responsible accountable for the attack.
