Owo Church Attack Suspect Alleges DSS Torture in Court

Abdulmalik, one of five suspects charged in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in 41 deaths and 140 injuries, testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja. He alleged that during his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), he was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.

Abdulmalik claimed he was arrested in August 2022 while traveling from Ondo State to Kogi State and was subsequently taken to the DSS command in Lokoja. He described being hung by his hands and deprived of basic needs, including the ability to urinate.

He further alleged that DSS operatives assaulted him and pressured him to admit involvement in the attack, attempting to link him to terrorist activities. During his testimony, he denied any wrongdoing and refuted claims made by the DSS, including photographs presented to the court.

The case was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite to April 1 and 2 for continued hearing.