The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the request by the Department of State Services (DSS) to protect the identities of witnesses set to testify in the trial of five suspected members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group. The defendants are standing trial in connection with the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, on June 5, 2022, which claimed over 40 lives and left more than 100 people injured.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday after hearing an ex-parte application argued by DSS counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze. The DSS based its request on concerns for the safety of the witnesses, citing the highly sensitive nature of terrorism cases.
Dr. Eze told the court that shielding the witnesses’ identities was essential to preventing possible retaliatory attacks. The application was not opposed by the defence team, and the judge accordingly ordered that the names and personal details of all witnesses remain undisclosed throughout the proceedings.
The five defendants—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—were arraigned on August 11, 2025, on a nine-count charge bordering on terrorism. The charges, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, accuse them of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist network operating a cell in Kogi State.
According to the DSS, the group carried out the Owo church attack to advance their extremist religious ideology. The defendants have all pleaded not guilty.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court also considered a bail application filed by the defence. The accused claimed they had been in detention for three years and had presented credible sureties for their release.
Defence counsel A. G. Ibrahim urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the prolonged detention of the defendants violated their fundamental rights. However, DSS counsel Dr. Eze opposed the motion, insisting the seriousness of the charges and risk of flight made bail inappropriate.
Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application to September 10, 2025.
The commencement of trial, which had been scheduled for the day, was deferred following a request by the DSS for a change in legal representation. Dr. Eze informed the court that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adedeji Adedipe, had been appointed to lead the prosecution. A fiat from the Attorney General of the Federation authorizing Adedipe’s involvement is currently being processed.
Highlights from the Charge Sheet:
Among the key allegations contained in the charge include:
• Membership in a Terrorist Group: The defendants are accused of joining the Al-Shabab terrorist group in 2021 and operating a cell based in Kogi State—an offence contrary to Section 25(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
• Planning the Owo Attack: The prosecution alleges that the suspects held planning meetings on various dates in May and June 2022 at locations in Kogi and Ondo States, leading to the deadly attack on June 5, 2022.
• Execution of Attack: On the day of the incident, the defendants allegedly attacked worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles, killing over 40 individuals and injuring more than 100 others.
• Specific Victims Identified: Victims listed include Ajanaku John, Onuoha Deborah, Onileke Esther, and John Bosede (deceased), and others such as Onuchukwu Happiness, Ogungbade Vivian, and Nnakwe Paschaline Ugochinyerem (injured).
The offences are charged under various sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with punishments ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty.
Justice Nwite will resume proceedings on September 10, when the court is expected to rule on the defendants’ bail request and possibly set a new trial date.
