The Federal Government on Monday arraigned five men before the Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged role in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are facing a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025.

According to the prosecution, the accused were members of the Al Shabab terrorist group operating a cell in Kogi State and planned the attack in meetings held in May and early June 2022. They allegedly used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles to kill, injure, and hold worshippers hostage.

Prosecutors further alleged that the defendants possessed explosives and firearms, detonated IEDs to cause death and grievous harm, and targeted specific victims.

All five pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Calistus Eze asked the court to remand them in DSS custody pending trial, while defence counsel Abdullahi Muhammad urged the court to grant the defendants’ families and lawyers access to them, noting they had been held since 2022 without contact.

Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the defendants to remain in DSS custody but granted them access to their families and legal representatives. The trial is scheduled to commence on August 19.

The Federal Court of Appeal, sitting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Governor Aiyedatiwa was elected representing the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Earlier, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal also confirmed Aiyedatiwa’s victory by dismissing petitions filed by the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its gubernatorial candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who challenged the election results.

In a landmark ruling that underscores the judiciary’s zero tolerance for kidnapping in any form, a Taraba State High Court on Friday sentenced four individuals to life imprisonment for orchestrating a staged abduction scheme aimed at extorting millions from their families.

Presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Joel Agya, the court found Prosper Paul, Samuel David, Nosiu Buba, and Samuel Kelvin guilty of attempted kidnapping under suit number TRSJ/75C/2021. The plot, according to the court, revolved around Paul’s deliberate plan to fake the abduction of his girlfriend and another woman in order to demand ransoms.

The judge noted that while the victims, Miss Fyafyatirmam Andeteran and Miss Brenda Anthony, were not forcibly taken, their collaboration in the scheme did not diminish the criminality of the act. “This was a clear attempt to obtain ransom through deceit, which amounts to kidnapping under the law,” Justice Agya said.

Paul’s girlfriend’s family reportedly paid N4 million, while a separate demand of N10 million was made in Brenda’s case. Their location was eventually traced to a hotel in Jalingo through phone records. Paul was handed an additional 12-month sentence for criminal conspiracy, while the other three defendants were discharged of that charge but sentenced to life for their role in the attempted kidnapping.

The judge strongly condemned the growing pattern of young women colluding with partners to defraud their families, calling it “a disturbing social menace.”
Though both victims escaped prosecution, the court made it clear their actions were deeply troubling. “They were lucky not to be standing in the dock today,” Justice Agya remarked.

Defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing remorse and reformation, but signalled their intent to study the ruling for potential appeal. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice hailed the verdict as a powerful deterrent.

“This judgment reinforces the rule of law and sends a clear message to criminal-minded individuals,” said Mustapha Adam, Deputy Director of Citizens’ Rights.