Follow Us on Google
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has reserved judgment in the trial of five men charged with alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
A total of 41 worshippers were killed in the attack, while more than 140 others sustained various injuries.
Those charged by the Department of State Services (DSS) are Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Abubakar.
Justice Emeka Nwite reserved judgment in the terrorism case after counsel to the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses and presented arguments for and against the case.
The judge said the date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.
Justice Nwite told counsel that they would receive notice once the judgment was ready, hinting that it could be within 24 hours.
In his final submission, counsel to the prosecution, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum sentence of death, considering the enormity of the alleged crime.
On his part, counsel to the defendants, Abdullahi Mohammad, prayed the court to discharge and acquit his clients on the grounds that the prosecution failed to establish its case against them.
The DSS called 11 witnesses in the trial, which began on August 1, 2025, to establish the allegations against the defendants.
The court also admitted the confessional statements of the defendants following the conclusion of a trial-within-trial conducted to determine whether the statements were voluntarily made.
At the commencement of proceedings, the DSS had sought accelerated hearing of the matter, which was granted by the court.
Angwan Rukuba killings: Court grants suspects leave to call witnesses
Other News
From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Justice Gedaliah Fwomyon of the Jos High Court has granted leave to four persons standing trial over the killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, to call five witnesses each in their defence.
The suspects — Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim and Ado Ibrahim, who is currently at large — are facing trial for their alleged roles in the attack.
They were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following the deadly Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which claimed over 30 lives.
The suspects are standing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, Justice Fwomyon granted the defendants’ request to call five witnesses each in their defence.
The judge also reiterated the court’s commitment to accelerated hearing of the case, stating that two days would be dedicated to hearing the testimonies of each defendant’s witnesses.
Justice Fwomyon further held that the prosecution had sufficiently responded to issues raised in the case management information sheet and would rely on the statements of evidence already before the court.
He also ruled that the defendants would be allowed to use interpreters, either provided by themselves or the court, and could challenge the admissibility of their statements as well as call expert witnesses where necessary.
The presiding judge warned that no party would be allowed to introduce fresh interlocutory applications except those already filed and adopted, adding that such requests would only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
While ordering that the defendants remain in DSS custody, the judge adjourned the case to July 1 and 2, 2026, for hearing.
He, however, noted that proceedings would continue provided the defendants do not file any challenge to the jurisdiction of the court.
