Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty in Owo Massacre Case

The prosecution in the Owo massacre case is pursuing the death penalty for the suspects involved in the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in June 2022, which resulted in numerous fatalities.

Lead prosecuting counsel Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, presented the final arguments, urging the court to impose the maximum penalty as prescribed by law. Adedipe asserted that the prosecution had meticulously established its case against the defendants, supported by compelling evidence and detailed investigations.

He stressed the need for accountability regarding one of the deadliest attacks on innocent worshippers in Nigerian history. In contrast, defense counsel Abdullahi Mohammad argued for the discharge and acquittal of his clients, claiming that the prosecution had failed to sufficiently prove the charges against them.

The trial has drawn significant attention, with condemnation from various figures, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who demanded justice for the victims and a tougher stance against terrorism.