Owo Church Attack: Court Denies Bail To Suspected Al-Shabab Members, Sets Trial Date

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail to five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which claimed more than 40 lives.

Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on Wednesday, held that the charges against the defendants were capital in nature and that admitting them to bail would pose a “judicial risk.” The court agreed with the Department of State Services (DSS) that the accused persons could intimidate witnesses, influence the case, or jump bail given the gravity of the allegations.

The judge also faulted the bail application for procedural defects, noting that the defendants’ names were not properly listed on the motion paper, and that a joint affidavit was filed in place of individual affidavits required by law.

The five accused persons — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are alleged members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group with operational cells in Kogi State. They are charged with plotting and executing the Owo church massacre after a series of meetings in Kogi and Ondo states.

Their counsel, Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim, had argued that they presented “reliable and responsible sureties,” but DSS lawyer Dr. Callistus Eze countered that the men remained a high flight risk due to the severity of the offences.

Justice Nwite dismissed the bail application and ordered an accelerated hearing, fixing October 19, 2025, for commencement of trial.