‎The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has delivered judgment in the long-running terrorism trial linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
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‎The court found four of the five defendants guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges, including membership of a terrorist organisation, conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of explosives and weapons.

The convicted persons were sentenced to death by hanging.
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‎One defendant was discharged and acquitted after the court held that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence linking him directly to the attack.
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‎The case stems from the deadly assault on worshippers during Sunday service in what is widely referred to as the Owo church attack, which left more than 40 people dead and several others injured, including children.
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‎The prosecution, led by the Department of State Services (DSS), had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty on all accused persons, arguing that the evidence presented established clear coordination and participation in the attack.

‎While Nigeria retains the death penalty in law, executions are often subject to lengthy appeals and administrative delays, meaning the sentence may not be immediately carried out.
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‎The convicted individuals include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, with one of them ultimately acquitted by the court.
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‎The ruling marks one of the most significant judicial outcomes yet in relation to the Owo massacre, which shocked the country and drew widespread international condemnation.