The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to five men accused of orchestrating the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed more than 40 lives and injured over 100 worshippers.
Ruling on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite dismissed the bail applications of Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, describing the charges against them as “capital in nature.”
The judge upheld the submission of the Department of State Services, which argued that the defendants were members of the Al-Shabab terrorist network and could intimidate witnesses or abscond if released.
“The prosecution has placed before the court substantial evidence linking the defendants to terrorism. Granting bail in such circumstances would not only endanger public safety but also amount to a judicial risk,” Justice Nwite ruled.
He further faulted the defense application for procedural irregularities, noting that the motion paper failed to properly list the defendants and that a joint affidavit was filed, contrary to the law requiring separate affidavits for each applicant.
Earlier, DSS counsel Dr. Callistus Eze opposed the bail request, insisting that the accused posed a flight risk.
“Given the gravity of the offences, these individuals cannot be trusted to remain within jurisdiction if granted bail. The safest course of justice is to keep them in custody until trial is concluded,” he submitted.
Justice Nwite agreed, stressing that the defendants had not presented credible sureties or convincing reasons for their release.
He ordered an accelerated trial, fixing October 19, 2025, as the date for proceedings to begin.
The suspects face multiple counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations of membership of a terrorist group, possession of explosives and firearms, and the killing of worshippers with improvised explosive devices during the Owo church massacre.