The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday opened its case against five individuals accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead and around 100 injured. The hearing commenced before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).
All pleaded not guilty after the charge, recently amended to correct minor errors, was read in court.
The DSS called its first witness, a Catholic priest who presided over the service on the day of the attack.
He recounted how, as the Pentecost Sunday service was concluding, he and the congregation were caught off guard by loud noises, gunfire, and explosions.
The priest described the chaotic scene, including efforts to move children and other worshippers to a safe location attached to the church.
He witnessed several deaths and injuries firsthand and helped transport casualties to nearby hospitals.
During cross-examination, the priest stated that he could not identify the attackers or determine their number due to the chaos.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved an accelerated hearing and adjourned the case to January 13 and 14, 2026, at 12 noon each day for continuation.
