DSS Arrests Sixth Suspect in Owo Church Attack

The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Sani Yusuf, the sixth suspect linked to the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of 40 worshippers. Yusuf, aged 25, was arrested in Iguosa community, Ovia North Local Government Area, Edo State, after evading capture for nearly four years.

He is identified as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Following his arrest, Yusuf confessed to his role in planning and executing the Owo church massacre and admitted involvement in other terrorist activities, including the July 2022 Suleja military barrack attack and kidnappings in Kaduna State.

The DSS is currently prosecuting five other individuals connected to the Owo attack: Idri Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idri (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idri (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47). This arrest marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the DSS to combat terrorism and seek justice for the victims of the Owo church attack.