The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted four of the five individuals standing trial for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The trial, instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), relates to the attack that left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured during a church service.
The four convicted defendants are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.
The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted on five of the nine counts brought against him.
In the nine-count charge, the DSS accused the defendants of belonging to foreign terrorist organisations and participating in the Owo church attack, which claimed the lives of at least 42 worshippers and left more than 100 others with varying degrees of injuries.
Delivering an ongoing judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite found the four defendants guilty of terrorism-related offences, including membership of foreign terrorist groups, conspiracy, and involvement in the attack on the church in Owo.
Nigerian Newsphere reports that the court is expected to continue proceedings on the remaining aspects of the case.
