Five individuals accused of orchestrating the 2022 bombing of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to nine counts of terrorism brought against them by the Federal Government.
The suspects; Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdul Malik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar stood before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court.
They are alleged members of an Al-Shabab terrorist cell operating in Kogi State.
Justice Nwite set August 19, 2025, as the date for the commencement of their trial and ordered that the accused remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
This arraignment follows the announcement made three years ago by then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, who declared that the perpetrators had been arrested.
The National Security Council had previously linked the attack to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
During the attack, over 40 worshippers were killed and many more injured as armed men opened fire on congregants during Sunday Mass.
The late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, condemned the massacre as a crime against humanity but assured that it would not break the resilient spirit of the people.
Late Governor Akeredolu also renewed calls for the establishment of state police forces, stressing that a single police command could not guarantee national security.
He acknowledged the efforts of Amotekun but highlighted its limitations due to inadequate resources.
