By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four Al-Shabaab members to death for their role in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Kogi State, where over 40 worshippers died and more than 100 others were injured during a Pentecost service.
The judgment followed a terrorism trial filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against the defendants. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and linked the convicts directly to the deadly assault.
Court Finds Evidence of Terror Cell Operations in Kogi State
Justice Nwite held that the defendants actively participated in a terrorist cell linked to Al-Shabaab. He said the group operated in Kogi State and planned the church attack.
Furthermore, the court noted that the attackers stormed the church during worship. They held worshippers hostage and unleashed coordinated violence.
The judge added that the evidence clearly showed ideological motivation. The attackers used extremist beliefs to justify the assault.
Witness Gives Chilling Account of Church Massacre
A Catholic priest who survived the attack testified as a key prosecution witness. He described how the attackers detonated at least three explosive devices inside the church.
As a result, panic spread quickly among worshippers. Many people suffered injuries, while others died on the spot.
In addition, the witness account supported other forensic evidence presented in court.
Prosecution Presents Strong Evidence and Exhibits
The prosecution called 11 witnesses during the trial. It also tendered 23 exhibits before the court.
These included confessional statements attributed to the defendants. Moreover, investigators presented a digital forensic report.
The report analyzed a technophone device. It contained alleged communications between the defendants before and after the attack.
Therefore, the court found the evidence consistent and reliable.
Convicted Defendants and Sentencing Outcome
The court sentenced the following defendants to death by hanging:
- Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25)
- Al Qasim Idris (20)
- Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
- Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
They all faced a nine-count terrorism charge.
However, the court discharged and acquitted Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47). The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to link him to the attack.
Justice Brings Closure to High-Profile Terrorism Trial
Justice Nwite said the prosecution proved the guilt of the convicts beyond reasonable doubt. He confirmed their active role in the deadly church attack.
Ultimately, the ruling closed one of Nigeria’s most significant terrorism trials. The case stemmed from the June 2022 massacre that shocked the nation and attracted global condemnation.
