The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men to death by hanging on June 3 2026. The court convicted the men for their roles in the June 5 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo Ondo State. Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment after a lengthy terrorism trial.
Justice Emeka Nwite found Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza Al Qasim Idris Jamiu Abdulmalik and Abdulhaleem Idris guilty on all nine counts. The charges included conspiracy terrorism illegal possession of firearms and explosive.
The judge stated that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. He added that witness identification and evidence linked the four men directly to the attack that killed at least 40 worshippers.
The court discharged and acquitted Momoh Abubakar. Justice Emeka Nwite explained that the prosecution failed to prove its case against him beyond reasonable doubt. The judge noted the lack of sufficient evidence connecting the fifth man to the crime.
Department of State Services counsel Ayodeji Adedipe urged the court to impose the death penalty. He described the attack as a grave act of terrorism that demanded strict punishment. The prosecution presented evidence during the trial that included testimonies from survivors and recovered materials.
Relatives of victims welcomed the verdict as a step toward justice. They expressed hope that the ruling would bring some relief after years of waiting. However the convicted men may appeal the sentences. Nigeria has not carried out executions in recent years. The 2022 attack shocked the nation and highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region.
