Ask Onix
Court delivers verdict in deadly Ondo church attack
A federal court in Abuja has condemned four men to death for their roles in the 2022 assault on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left 41 worshippers dead and over 100 injured. The attack, carried out during a Pentecost service, shocked Nigeria and drew international condemnation.
Trial and convictions
The defendants-Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris-were found guilty on nine counts, including terrorism, conspiracy, and murder. Judge Emeka Nwite, who oversaw the accelerated trial that began in August 2025, ruled that the prosecution's evidence was unshaken during cross-examination.
Key testimony came from survivors, including a woman who lost both legs below the knees and an eye after a dynamite explosion during the attack. Another witness identified two of the defendants as assailants. Justice Nwite stated the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
"Justice has been served, justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood," said prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe.
Prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe
Defense claims and acquittal
The men's legal team announced plans to appeal, alleging their clients were tortured during interrogations, including beatings, suspension from ceilings, and electric shocks to their genitals.
A fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Prosecutors had accused him of financing the attack after allegedly receiving 800,000 naira (£440; $590) twice from a suspect still at large. Abubakar testified the funds were from his farming business and cooperative activities, denying any connection to the attackers.
Broader context of violence
The Owo massacre is part of a rising tide of attacks on churches in Nigeria, amid worsening insecurity. While some international figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have accused Nigeria of failing to protect its Christian population, the Nigerian government rejects claims of targeted persecution.
Monitoring groups note that most victims of jihadist violence in Nigeria are Muslim, though attacks on religious sites have fueled tensions. In December, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on two jihadist camps in northwestern Nigeria, warning of further action if attacks persisted.
Next steps
Under Nigerian law, the death sentences require presidential assent before execution. No executions have been carried out in the country in recent years, and the appeals process is expected to extend the legal battle.
