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| Suspects in the Owo church attack case pictured in court in Abuja as the trial continues with testimony from DSS witnesses. |
Fresh Testimony in Owo Church Attack Trial
The trial over the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, continued on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with an eighth witness for the Department of State Services (DSS) giving evidence.
The witness, an operative of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, supported the testimony earlier given by the seventh prosecution witness. Both men identified the second defendant, Al Quasim Idris, as one of the alleged attackers involved in the deadly assault on worshippers.
The June 5, 2022 attack shocked the nation after gunmen opened fire inside the church during a Sunday service, killing more than 40 people and injuring many others.
Witness Says He Exchanged Gunfire With Suspect
The eighth witness told the court that he was among security operatives who responded shortly after receiving information about the attack.
According to his testimony, he later encountered some of the fleeing suspects in a nearby bush. He identified Al Quasim Idris in court as one of the individuals he said exchanged gunfire with security personnel during the pursuit.
He explained that after arriving at the church and seeing casualties, the team received information that the attackers had fled in a blue Nissan vehicle. They trailed the vehicle toward Ute Road before the suspects reportedly abandoned it and ran into the bush.
During the chase, a volunteer hunter who joined the operation was killed in the exchange of gunfire, the witness said.
Five Defendants Facing Trial
The DSS is prosecuting five men over the attack.
They are:
-
- Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25) -
- Al Quasim Idris (20) -
- Jamiu Abdulmalik (26) -
- Abdulhaleem Idris (25) -
- Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
He said he came face-to-face with one of the suspects during a gun battle after trailing the attackers.
Cross-Examination and Court Proceedings
During cross-examination by defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad, the eighth witness admitted he could not recall certain details, including how many people retrieved the body of the slain hunter from the bush.
He also confirmed that the blue Nissan vehicle used in the escape was taken to their office before being transferred to the state headquarters in Akure. He said the owner of the vehicle later came forward to identify himself but noted that he was not part of the team that interviewed the vehicle owner.
At the close of proceedings, the prosecution asked the court for a three-day adjournment to present its final witnesses and conclude its case.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to March 24, 25 and 26 for continuation of trial.
Background
The Owo Church Attack
The attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo remains one of the most tragic incidents in Nigeria’s recent history.
Gunmen stormed the church during a Sunday Mass, shooting worshippers and causing widespread panic.
The scale of the killings triggered national outrage, with government officials, religious leaders and civil society groups calling for swift justice.
The case is now being handled at the Federal High Court in Abuja, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the involvement of federal security agencies.
KEY DETAILS: -
- Eighth DSS witness testified at Federal High Court in Abuja -
- Witness identified second defendant, Al Quasim Idris - Said he exchanged gunfire with suspect in nearby bush -
- Five men are on trial over the June 5, 2022 attack -
- Trial adjourned to March 24–26 for continuation.
INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
Attacks on places of worship have drawn global concern in recent years. Around the world, governments face growing pressure to improve security around religious gatherings and strengthen intelligence operations against violent groups.
Nigeria’s handling of the Owo church attack is being watched as part of broader efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in West Africa where cross-border security threats remain a challenge.
The Owo church attack had a deep impact on national security discussions in Nigeria. It renewed calls for stronger intelligence sharing between federal agencies and state-backed security outfits like Amotekun.
For Ondo State and the wider Southwest region, the case has also become a test of how well local security networks work with federal authorities in responding to major security threats.
The outcome of the trial may influence future counter-terrorism strategies, including community-based intelligence and rapid response systems.
WHAT THIS MEANS
The testimony of multiple witnesses identifying the same suspect could strengthen the prosecution’s case. When witnesses independently confirm similar details, courts often consider that consistency significant.
However, the defense is expected to continue challenging the credibility and memory of the witnesses, especially regarding identification during a gun battle.
As the prosecution prepares to close its case, attention will shift to whether the evidence presented meets the legal standard required for conviction.
The trial also represents a broader quest for justice for the victims and their families, nearly four years after the attack.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: -
- Testimony from the prosecution’s remaining witnesses -
- Whether the DSS formally closes its case in March -
- Possible defense witnesses or applications -
- Legal arguments over identification and evidence.
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