Nigeria: Terrorism - Court Reserves Judgement in Owo Church Massacre Trial
Prosecutors sought death sentences after calling 11 witnesses, while defence lawyers said the evidence was insufficient and the confessions were coerced.
- On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja reserved judgment in the trial of five men charged with alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Judge Emeka Nwite indicated the judgment notice could arrive within 24 hours.
- Gunmen opened fire and detonated explosives during Pentecost Sunday Mass, killing at least 41 worshippers and injuring more than 140 others. Prosecutors alleged the five defendants belonged to an Al Shabaab cell operating in Kogi State and carried out the assault as part of a violent religious agenda.
- During proceedings, survivors, church members, Amotekun operatives, and State Security Service investigators testified; many witnesses testified with coded identities under court-approved protection. The prosecution presented 11 witnesses, with one identifying two defendants as attackers and digital forensic experts using phone tracking and cell tower triangulation to trace suspects.
- Defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad urged acquittal, arguing the prosecution failed to sufficiently prove its charges. Prosecution lawyer Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, sought the maximum death sentence; the judge admitted confessional statements despite defence claims they were obtained under duress.
- The attack triggered national outrage and condemnation from local and international bodies. The judge previously rejected bail applications citing witness interference risks and the gravity of charges, while the State Security Service secured accelerated hearing to expedite the trial.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Nigeria: Terrorism - Court Reserves Judgement in Owo Church Massacre Trial
The five defendants are being prosecuted by the Stae Security Service (SSS) over the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured.
Owo Massacre: Prosecution seeks death penalty for suspects
The prosecution in the Owo Massacre trial is seeking the death penalty for five suspects accused of the 2022 church attack. Judgment date to be communicate Read More: https://punchng.com/owo-massacre-prosecution-seeks-death-penalty-for-suspects/
Terrorism: Court reserves judgement in Owo church massacre trial
The five defendants are being prosecuted by the Stae Security Service (SSS) over the attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured.
Owo church attack: Court reserves judgment
*DSS urges maximum punishment for terrorism A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgment in the trial of five men accused of masterminding the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. This followed the conclusion of final arguments by the prosecution and defence. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed judgment for a date to be communicated to all parties, stating that notices would be issued once th…
Court Reserves Judgment In Owo Church Attack Trial - Lagos Television
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in the trial of five men accused of involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The defendants are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the deadly attack that claimed...
Court Reserves Judgment in Owo Church Attack Case
Justice Emeka Nwite of the High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in the trial of five men charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. The judge set a date for the judgment, which will be communicated to all parties after hearing the prosecution and defence counsel’s last arguments. Justice Nwite reminded the lawyers that the cour…
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