Owo Church Attack Death Sentence Verdict sees four terrorists sentenced to death by hanging over the 2022 Saint Francis Church massacre in Ondo State

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four terrorists convicted over the June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, to death by hanging, bringing a decisive conclusion to one of Nigeria’s most devastating mass casualty terror cases.

Also read: DSS arrests sixth suspect in Owo church attack

The ruling followed their conviction on all nine counts relating to the deadly assault that claimed the lives of 43 worshippers during Sunday service.

Death sentence verdict in Owo church attack case marks a significant judicial milestone in the prosecution of the perpetrators of the massacre, which shocked the nation and drew widespread international condemnation.

Justice Nwite ordered that the convicted individuals be hanged until death after finding them guilty of their roles in the coordinated attack on the church premises.

The convicts are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, aged 25, Al Qasim Idris, aged 20, Jamiu Abdulmalik, aged 26, and Abdulhaleem Idris, aged 25.

A fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, aged 47, was discharged and acquitted by the court after failing to meet the threshold for conviction.

The judgement followed detailed proceedings in which the prosecution presented evidence linking the defendants to the attack, which remains one of the deadliest incidents on a place of worship in recent Nigerian history.

The June 5, 2022 assault left families devastated and communities in mourning, triggering national debates on security and counter terrorism response strategies.

Also read: ‘Quite a number’ Suspects linked t Owo Church massacre arrested

Wednesday’s ruling is expected to be closely studied as authorities continue broader efforts to address terrorism related violence across the country.