DSS opens case against Owo Church attackers, presents first witness

The Department of State Services (DSS) initiated its case on Thursday against five individuals accused of the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of over 40 worshippers and injuries to more than 100.

The accused, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al-Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The prosecution began its trial by presenting its first witness, a Catholic priest who led the Pentecost Sunday service during the attack. For security purposes, his identity was not disclosed.

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During his testimony, which was led by prosecuting counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the priest described how the armed men invaded the church near the end of the service. He recounted a loud explosion followed by gunfire that caused panic among the congregation.

“As the service was concluding and the recessional hymn started, I heard a loud noise. Then I noticed chaos in the church. Shortly after, two men from our congregation secured the main entrance, and an elder informed me, ‘Father, we are under attack,’” he stated.

The witness detailed the ferocity of the assault, mentioning that at least three explosives were detonated, with one landing near the safe room where he and several children had sought shelter.

He also recounted assisting in the evacuation of the injured, including his choir master, who had been shot in the chest. The priest noted that due to the disorder, he could not determine the number of attackers, emphasizing that his main focus was to save the children and transport the injured to the hospital.

During cross-examination by defense attorney Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness confirmed that he could not identify the assailants.

Previously, the prosecution corrected minor errors in the charge, which was then read to the defendants, all of whom pleaded not guilty.

Justice Nwite approved a request for expedited proceedings and scheduled the next hearing for January 13 and 14, 2026.