Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has applauded the conviction and death sentence handed down to four individuals found guilty of participating in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, describing the judgment as a significant triumph for justice and the rule of law.
The governor said the verdict offers a measure of relief to victims, their families, and the people of Ondo State, following one of the deadliest attacks in the state’s history that claimed dozens of lives and left many worshippers injured.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa praised the efforts of the prosecution team, investigators, and the judiciary for ensuring that those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.
“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,” the governor was quoted as saying.
According to him, the outcome of the trial demonstrates the government’s determination not to tolerate acts of terrorism, violence, or any threat to the safety and security of citizens.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended residents of Owo and members of the Catholic community for their resilience and commitment to peace despite the pain and trauma caused by the attack.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through closer collaboration with security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved protection of public spaces.
The governor expressed hope that the judgment would provide some sense of closure to affected families while reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.
He further prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and asked God to continue to comfort their loved ones.
Court Sentences Four to Death
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four men to death by hanging after finding them guilty of carrying out the deadly assault on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
The convicts — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25 — were among five defendants arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The charges stemmed from their alleged involvement in the church attack that resulted in the deaths of more than 40 worshippers.
Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution successfully established its case against the four defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found them guilty on all counts, including conspiracy, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation identified as Al-Shabab, said to be affiliated with ISWAP, terrorism-related offences, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and the killing of worshippers during the attack.
However, the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case against him.
