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.

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, MD Abubakar, once had an unforgettable run-in with his own men, who unknowingly attempted to arrest him, mistaking him for a civilian.

In a reflective recount of his time in service, Abubakar shared the surprising and somewhat comical incident that took place on a Saturday morning.

“As Commissioner of Police in Lagos, I never took my duties lightly especially on weekends. Although my official day usually started at 10 a.m., I decided to leave home earlier that morning to inspect officers without prior notice.”

Driving himself in his Jeep, Abubakar headed toward the office, but changed his mind and opted to observe officers stationed along Herbert Macaulay Road instead.

At a checkpoint, he was flagged down by a group of young officers.

“One constable walked up to me and said, ‘Young man, where are you going with your father’s car?’ He asked for my documents and licence. I calmly told him my name was Mohammed.”

The constable insisted he present an ID card. Abubakar, keeping his identity under wraps, replied, “Only if you show me yours first.”

The officer had no ID card on him, so he called for their sergeant, who repeated the request. Again, Abubakar responded by asking for the sergeant’s ID first.

His calm defiance appeared suspicious. Without suspecting his true identity, the officers decided to escalate the matter.

“They told me we were going to the Yaba Police Station (Panti) to verify my identity. When we got there, the only free parking spot was the one marked for the DPO. I parked there. The constable shouted, ‘That’s for the DPO!’ I just smiled and said nothing.”

Inside the station, things took another odd turn. They brought him before an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who was in casual clothes.

“He invited me in for questioning. I refused, saying I wouldn’t be interrogated by someone in home clothes. He got angry and tried to drag me inside, I resisted and pulled him back. That’s when he paused, looked at my face more closely and suddenly went pale.”

The realization struck.

Meanwhile, an elderly officer, suspicious of the scene, quietly slipped into the DPO’s office to check the wall where photos of senior officers were displayed.

“Once he confirmed who I was, he didn’t say a word, he just jumped out the window and ran!”

The sergeant still hadn’t grasped the situation until another officer leaned in and whispered into his ear: “That’s the CP.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

“They had no idea who I was the whole time,” Abubakar concluded with a chuckle. “It was one of the most ironic and unforgettable days of my career.”

A devastating flood has swept through Enohia Itim community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, killing eight people and destroying large expanses of farmland.

The disaster, which struck on Friday, August 1, followed heavy rainfall that triggered severe flooding in the area.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Afikpo Council, Mr. Sunday Nkama, the flood affected over 800 residents, with many losing their primary means of livelihood as farmlands were submerged.

Nkama confirmed that of the eight victims, three bodies have been recovered, while five others remain missing. Among the dead were three children.

Speaking on the incident, Hon. Francis Abani Okpani, the Councilor representing Itim Ward, described the situation as deeply tragic, noting the significant toll on both lives and property.

In response to the disaster, the Executive Chairman of Afikpo LGA, Mr. Timothy A. U., expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the local government would work with state and federal agencies to mobilize relief efforts and humanitarian support for the affected community.

He also reiterated the Federal Ministry of Environment’s prior warning that Afikpo was among regions at high risk of flooding in 2025.

He urged residents to take precautionary measures, including maintaining clear drainage systems and adopting flood mitigation strategies in light of worsening climate change impacts.

Three years after the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, the Federal Government is set to arraign five individuals accused of carrying out the massacre.

The suspects; Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar, will appear before Justice Obiorah Egwatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They face a total of nine terrorism-related charges, stemming from the June 5, 2022 bombing and shooting that left over 40 worshippers dead and many others injured during a Sunday mass.

The arraignment comes after prolonged investigations and follows a 2022 announcement by the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), who confirmed the arrest of those believed to be responsible.

Authorities had earlier linked the attack to members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a terrorist group responsible for multiple violent incidents across Nigeria’s northern and central regions.

The Federal Government says it is committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their families.