*As one suspect was discharged and acquitted

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the deadly attack on a church in Owo, Ondo State, following their prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Emeka Nwite said evidence presented by the prosecution and defence made it “clear” the susoects were members of “Al-Shabaab”, a proscribed terrorist organisation.

He convicted Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25 on all the 5-counts filed against them.

On count three, the judge decided that they were the masterminds of the attack on the Catholic Church in Owo, based on account of a  meeting held on May 30th, 2022 — six days before the worshippers were mowed down in cold blood during a Sunday Mass.

Justice Nwite said the prosecution’s evidence “remains credible” and was “not effectively challenged” by the defendants.

However, 47-year-old Momoh Otuho Abubakar, the fifth defendant, was discharged and acquitted on all the counts.

The judge said the DSS failed to prove count six against him — financing terrorism in connection with the attack.

The Pentecost Sunday attack remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest church massacres. 

Recall that gunmen stormed St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, opening fire and detonating explosives as the congregation prayed.

The four convicts will, by the judgment face the gallows for belonging to a terrorist group, conspiracy, and murder, except an upper court upturned the verdict on appeal.