More than three years after the horrific attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, five men accused of orchestrating the massacre have been charged under Nigeria’s terrorism laws and are now facing trial in Abuja.

The suspects, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar were arraigned before a Federal High Court on a nine-count charge that includes terrorism, murder, and membership in the East African extremist group Al Shabaab. All five pleaded not guilty.

The June 5, 2022 attack, which claimed the lives of at least 50 worshippers and injured over 100 others during Sunday Mass, shocked the nation and drew global condemnation. Prosecutors allege the men used improvised explosive devices and AK-47 rifles in the assault, which was planned during meetings held in Kogi and Ondo states.

The suspects will be in custody until a court ruling on September 10 on their application for bail.

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