The Federal Government has begun legal proceedings against five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022 bombing and shooting at Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The arraignment comes three years after the deadly attack that claimed over 40 lives and left scores wounded.
The defendants Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar appeared before Justice Obiorah Egwatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Charges of Terrorism
According to court filings, the Federal Government has leveled nine counts of terrorism-related offences against the suspects.
These charges include acts of violence intended to instill fear among the public, as well as direct involvement in the Owo massacre.
The attack, which took place during a Sunday mass, saw armed men storm the church premises, detonate explosives, and open fire on worshippers.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as parishioners scrambled for safety amid gunfire and smoke.
Link to ISWAP
Following the incident, the National Security Council linked the assault to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
In 2022, then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced the arrest of the alleged masterminds.
However, their formal arraignment was delayed until now.
Security analysts suggest that the lengthy gap between arrest and trial may have been due to the complexity of the investigation, including intelligence gathering and cross-border terrorism links.
Families Await Justice
Relatives of victims have welcomed the arraignment but stressed the need for swift and transparent proceedings.
“We have waited too long for justice,” said a family member of one victim. “This trial must not drag endlessly.”
The Road Ahead
If convicted under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, the defendants could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The court is expected to begin hearing witness testimonies in the coming weeks.
The Owo church attack remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest assaults on a place of worship in recent years, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger security in religious institutions.