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 attack as part of a violent religious agenda.
- The prosecution presented 11 witnesses including survivors, church members, Amotekun operatives, and State Security Service investigators, with many testifying under coded identities. One witness identified two defendants as attackers, while digital forensic experts used phone tracking and cell tower triangulation to trace the suspects.
- Prosecution lawyer Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, sought the maximum death sentence given the crime's severity, while defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad urged acquittal, claiming prosecution failed to prove charges sufficiently. The judge admitted confessional statements despite defence objections they were obtained under duress.
- The attack triggered national outrage and condemnation from local and international bodies. In September, the judge rejected the defendants' bail application citing witness interference risks and the gravity of charges, while the State Security Service pursued accelerated hearing to expedite trial proceedings.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Daily Trust
Punch NewspapersOwo massacre: Prosecution seeks death penalty for suspects
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday reserved judgement 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 judgement for a date to be communicated to all parties. The trial has been prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), which urged …
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.
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…
Owo Church Attack: Court Reserves Judgment As DSS Push For Maximum Punishment Against 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 the court was ready, possibly within 24 ho…
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...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
