FG Arraigns Five Suspects Over Owo Catholic Church Massacre
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

In a significant move towards justice, the Federal Government has formally arraigned five suspects over their alleged role in the gruesome killing of over 40 worshippers during the attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022. The incident, which shocked the nation and drew global condemnation, saw armed men storm the Sunday service and open fire on congregants at close range.

The suspects — identified as Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — were on Monday brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). They appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite to answer a nine-count charge filed against them by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to the charge sheet, the accused, along with other accomplices still at large, are alleged to have joined the notorious Al Shabab Terrorist Group in 2021, operating a terror cell in Kogi State. The prosecution claims the suspects held a series of meetings at Government Secondary School, Ogamirana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State, and behind Omialafa Central Mosque in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, where they finalised plans for the deadly assault.

The Federal Government further alleges that the attack was a well-orchestrated act of terror, carried out in furtherance of the group’s extremist agenda. The crime is said to be in contravention of Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which prescribes severe penalties for membership in or support of terrorist organisations.

The June 5, 2022, massacre remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent years, with harrowing videos from the scene showing bodies strewn across the church and wounded survivors scrambling for safety. The tragedy not only devastated families but also left an indelible scar on the Owo community and the nation at large.

The arraignment marks a critical step in the quest for justice, though the trial is expected to be closely watched given its national and international significance. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and present evidence linking the accused to the planning and execution of the attack, while the defence will seek to challenge the charges.

As proceedings continue, Nigerians and the global community await the outcome, with many calling for a speedy trial to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

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