By Our Correspondent
National News – Four members of a terrorist group have been sentenced to death by hanging for their roles in the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by the Federal High Court in Abuja, nearly four years after the tragic incident that claimed more than 40 lives and left over 100 worshippers injured.
The convicted men are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.
Justice Emeka Nwite found them guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services on behalf of the Federal Government.
A fifth defendant, Momoh Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence linking him to the attack.
The June 5, 2022, church attack occurred during a Pentecost service at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
According to prosecutors, the terrorists stormed the church, held worshippers hostage, detonated explosive devices, and opened fire with AK-47 rifles.
The assault caused widespread casualties and destruction.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 11 witnesses and submitted 23 exhibits, including confessional statements and digital forensic evidence.
A surviving Catholic priest testified about the horrifying events, describing how multiple explosions triggered panic and bloodshed inside the church.
Justice Nwite ruled that the evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that the four convicts were active members of a terrorist cell operating in Kogi State and directly participated in the attack.
The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case and justified the convictions.
Reacting to the verdict, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa praised the judiciary and security agencies, describing the ruling as a victory for justice and the rule of law.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, welcomed the judgment and called for continued efforts to identify and prosecute anyone connected to the massacre.
Catholic Bishop Jude Arogundade said the ruling offered some measure of justice but noted that it could not erase the pain and loss suffered by victims’ families and the church community.
