A witness for the Department of State Services (DSS) has recounted the horrifying events of the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where suspected Al-Shabab terrorists detonated three bombs, instantly killing more than 40 worshippers and injuring over 100 others.
The witness, who coordinated the mass on the day of the attack and testified under the initials “SSA” for security reasons, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the explosions occurred near the close of the service. He described the impact of the third explosion as feeling “like the ground caved in.”
Before the bombs detonated, the witness said there was sporadic gunfire within the church premises, creating panic among the congregants. Amid the chaos, he moved quickly to the children’s hall, then to a restroom, to protect the children from the attackers. He recounted that while sheltering with the children, a worshipper informed him that the assailants had left the building.
The witness stated, “I was in the church on June 5, 2022, coordinating mass. It was at the tail end of the mass that all of a sudden we started hearing sporadic shooting within the church. A serious confusion ensued, but I managed to move the children to a safe place. Along the line, I heard three loud explosions, the third being close to where I and the children were. The impact of the third explosion was like the ground caved in. The deadly attack led to the instant death of over 40 worshippers, and several others suffered injuries and were taken to hospitals.”
The testimony came during the trial of five accused individuals: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, who face multiple charges of terrorism. According to the DSS, the accused planned and executed the attack using improvised explosive devices and AK-47 rifles, with the intent to further a religious ideology and cause mass casualties.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, has scheduled further trial sessions for January 13 and 14, 2026. Earlier, the court had refused bail applications for the accused, citing the gravity of the terrorism charges, the risk of witness intimidation, and the likelihood that they might flee.
The charges detail that the accused not only detonated bombs inside the church but also caused grievous bodily harm to more than 100 individuals, including named victims such as Onileke Ayodele, John Blessing, Nselu Esther, and Ogungbade Peter. The prosecution alleges that the attack involved premeditated planning, possession of illegal weapons, hostage-taking, and the deliberate killing of worshippers, all contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justice Nwite upheld the DSS’s position that the accused lacked credible sureties and that granting bail would pose a serious judicial risk. He noted that the evidence presented against the accused is strong, and the seriousness of the charges demands careful oversight to ensure a fair trial and public safety.
The court emphasized the broader implications of the case, highlighting the threat of terrorism in Nigeria and the need for rigorous enforcement of national security laws. The testimony of “SSA” paints a vivid and chilling picture of the attack, showing how close congregants came to losing their lives and the bravery of individuals who acted to protect the vulnerable during the chaos.
The trial continues to attract attention as a landmark case in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, with observers noting its significance in holding alleged extremists accountable while reinforcing the judiciary’s role in matters of national security.
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