DSS Opens Trial of Five Suspects in Owo Church Massacre Before Abuja Federal High Court
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday commenced trial against five defendants accused of perpetrating the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, an assault that claimed over 40 lives and left more than 100 worshippers injured.
The accused persons are: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
They are being prosecuted before the Federal High Court, Abuja, following an application for accelerated hearing granted by Justice Emeka Nwite.
Led by Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the DSS presented its first witness—a Catholic priest who presided over the Pentecost Sunday service during the attack. For security reasons, his identity was withheld.
The priest recounted that the assault began toward the end of mass, during the recessional hymn. He described a sudden loud noise followed by sporadic gunfire, Worshippers scrambling for safety amid chaos. Use of three explosives, one of which detonated near the sanctuary’s adjoining safe room where children had been sheltered. Casualties including his choir master, who was shot in the chest. Multiple trips to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, and St. Louis Catholic Hospital, where emergency wards were overwhelmed with victims.
He testified that the attackers fired indiscriminately, causing mass panic, and that he could not identify or count the assailants due to the commotion and his focus on rescuing children.
Under cross‑examination by defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness admitted he could not ascertain the number or identities of the attackers. He explained that his priority was evacuating children to safety through an adjoining restroom attached to the sanctuary.
The prosecution amended the charge to correct minor errors; the defendants all pleaded not guilty.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to 13 and 14 January 2026 for continuation of hearing.
