Five individuals accused of orchestrating the devastating 2022 bombing of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have pleaded not guilty to nine counts of terrorism brought against them by the Federal Government.
The suspects—Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdul Malik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar—were arraigned on Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.
The accused are alleged members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group, operating a cell in Kogi State. Justice Nwite has scheduled the commencement of their trial for August 19, 2025, and ordered that they be held in custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) pending trial.
The arraignment comes nearly three years after the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
The National Security Council attributed the church bombing to the brutal activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The horrific attack, which took place during a Sunday mass, claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many more injured when armed assailants stormed the church and opened fire on congregants.
The late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, condemned the attack as a grave crime against humanity but vowed that the tragedy would not break the resilient spirit of the people.
He reiterated calls for the establishment of state police, emphasizing that “a single police command cannot guarantee safety in this country.”
Governor Akeredolu highlighted the limitations faced by the regional security outfit Amotekun, noting the urgent need for adequate equipment to effectively combat rising insecurity.
