Court Reserves Judgment in Owo Church Attack Case

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the trial of five men accused of being the masterminds behind the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, will announce the judgment date after concluding final arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the court to impose the maximum penalties prescribed by law.

Lead prosecuting counsel Ayodeji Adedipe SAN emphasized the need for the court to convict the defendants and impose the death penalty, citing the gravity of the brutal attack that shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation. The defense counsel, Abdullahi Mohammad, argued for the discharge and acquittal of his clients, claiming the prosecution failed to sufficiently prove its charges.

The attack on the church was one of the deadliest in Nigerian history, prompting condemnation from various leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.