The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja not to grant bail to five men facing trial for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
In a counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, the DSS argued that releasing them would jeopardize witnesses’ safety and risk interference with the trial. The security agency also linked the defendants to foreign terrorist networks, including Al-Shabab.
The suspects — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025).
The DSS noted that the attack killed about 40 worshippers and left more than 100 injured, stressing that the offences attract capital punishment. It further disclosed that accomplices of the defendants remain at large and are allegedly attempting to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial.
Prosecution counsel, Dr. Calistus Eze, asked the court to reject the bail request, while defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, maintained that his clients had been in custody since 2022 and were prepared to provide credible sureties.
After hearing both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application to September 10. He also granted a separate prosecution request for witness protection, including shielding witnesses’ identities during testimony.
Meanwhile, the DSS has handed the case to a senior lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, who is expected to take over once the Attorney-General of the Federation issues the necessary fiat.
13 Killed in Katsina Mosque Attack
In a separate incident, gunmen killed at least 13 worshippers during morning prayers in Mantau community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as a reprisal by bandits.
According to him, the attack followed an earlier ambush by villagers, who killed several bandits, rescued kidnapped victims, and seized weapons and motorcycles.
“The worshippers were observing Fajr prayer when the bandits opened fire inside the mosque,” Mu’azu said, adding that security reinforcements have been deployed to restore calm.
He said the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Police had launched operations in the area, noting that bandits often hide under crops during the rainy season to evade detection.
While condoling the affected families, the state government praised the community’s resistance against the attackers and reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity across the state.
