Owo Church Attack Suspects' Trial Begins Amid Confessions

The trial of five suspects linked to the Owo church attack, which claimed 41 lives and injured 140 others, commenced on August 1, 2025. The suspects, identified as Idri Abdulmalik, Omeiza, Al Qasim Idri, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idri, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on August 1, 2022.

During the proceedings, the court admitted their confession statements, which were claimed to be voluntarily given. The defense, led by Omeiza, provided lengthy testimonies, including details of their arrest and detention conditions.

The DSS lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad, was present during the hearings. The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, is set to continue the trial on March 6, following the establishment of witness statements and the defense's narrative regarding the suspects' involvement with the ISWAP terror organization.