Owo Church Attack Suspects Testify in Federal Court

In a federal high court in Abuja, five suspects connected to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, provided testimonies regarding their arrests by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The attack led to the deaths of 41 worshippers and left 140 others injured. The trial commenced on August 1, 2025, with the court admitting the defendants' confessions as evidence.

The suspects, identified as Idri Abdulmalik, Omeiza, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idri, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, recounted their experiences during their detention, including being interrogated about the church attack. They claimed to have been arrested on August 1, 2022, alongside two minors.

The DSS's lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad, and presiding Justice Emeka Nwite were present during the proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for March 6, continuing the defense's case.