DSS Seeks Death Penalty for Owo Church Attack Suspects

The Department of State Services (DSS) is pursuing the death penalty for five suspects in connection with the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of 41 worshippers and left 140 others injured. The case is currently being heard in the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice Emeka Nwite reserving judgment after both the prosecution and defense presented their final written addresses.

The prosecution, represented by Ayodeji Adedipe, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, citing the severe impact of the attack. In contrast, defense counsel Abdullahi Mohammad argued for the discharge and acquittal of the suspects, claiming that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The five defendants are Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idri, Abdulhaleem Idri, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar. During the trial, the DSS presented 11 witnesses and several exhibits, including alleged confession statements and forensic reports.