COURT FIXES SEPTEMBER 10 FOR RULING ON BAIL APPLICATION OF FIVE AL-SHABAB SUSPECTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, fixed September 10 for ruling on the bail application filed by five men accused of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group and alleged masterminds of the June 5, 2022, bomb attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The defendants Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar are standing trial on a nine-count terrorism charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
They were arraigned on August 11 and pleaded not guilty to charges bordering on terrorism, murder, and membership of a proscribed organisation. The prosecution alleged that the suspects, operating a terrorist cell in Kogi State, planned and executed the Owo church attack, which left over 40 worshippers dead and more than 100 injured.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel A.G. Ibrahim argued their bail application, citing three years in DSS custody and presenting what he described as “reliable sureties.” However, DSS counsel C.S. Eze opposed the application, insisting the gravity of the charges made the defendants a flight risk.
Justice Nwite, after hearing arguments, reserved ruling until September 10.
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Meanwhile, commencement of trial was adjourned following the DSS’ request for a change of counsel. Eze informed the court that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adedeji Adedipe, had been engaged to lead the prosecution team, pending approval from the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Earlier, the court granted a DSS request to shield the identities of prosecution witnesses, ruling that their names and details must not be disclosed due to the sensitivity of terrorism cases.
The five defendants face multiple counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including planning and carrying out the Owo attack with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), leading to deaths and grievous bodily harm.
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