Ondo Gov Welcomes Owo Church Attack Suspects Conviction

ONDO State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction of four suspects in connection with the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
‎Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, June 3, convicted Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26) and Abdulhaleem Idris (25) and sentenced them to death by hanging, on all nine counts of committing acts of terrorism, in breach of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, by belonging to a proscribed terrorist group- Al-Shabab, an ISWAP affiliate; conspiracy to commit a terrorist act; kidnapping, hostage-taking; and killing the over 40 worshippers.
‎ The Judge, however, discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47), saying the prosecution was unable to prove the case against him beyond reasonable doubt.
Aiyedatiwa, in his reaction, described the judgment as a victory for justice, the rule of law and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.
He stated that the diligence of the prosecution team, thoroughness of investigators and courage of the judiciary had shown that government would not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, said: “This judgment sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,”
Aiyedatiwa expressed appreciation of the resilience of Owo people and the Catholic community, who, despite the trauma, have remained steadfast and committed to peace, reassuring residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, protect public spaces and ensure such a tragedy never repeats itself in our state.
He said the judgment provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible, even as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for God’s comfort for the families they left behind.
The suspects had been standing trial on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the attack.