The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the judiciary and security agencies following the conviction and death sentence handed down to four suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo.
Aiyedatiwa described the court’s verdict as a significant victory for justice, the rule of law, and for victims of the brutal attack that left over 40 worshippers dead and many others injured during the tragic incident.
He praised the diligence of the prosecution team, the thorough investigations conducted by security agencies, and the courage of the judiciary, noting that the outcome demonstrated the government’s resolve not to tolerate terrorism or violent attacks against citizens.
According to the governor, the judgment sends a strong warning that perpetrators of violent crimes will face the full force of the law, regardless of how long it takes for justice to be served.
Aiyedatiwa also expressed appreciation for the resilience of the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community, who have continued to uphold peace despite the trauma caused by the attack.
He reassured residents that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, strengthen the protection of public spaces, and prevent a recurrence of such tragedies in the state.
The governor added that the ruling offers a measure of closure to victims’ families and reinforces confidence that justice remains achievable within the legal system.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives and asked for divine comfort for their families.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced four defendants to death by hanging after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences connected to the attack.
The convicts — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris — were part of five accused persons standing trial on a nine-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt on all nine counts against the four convicted defendants.
The charges included membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation linked to ISWAP, conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and the killing of worshippers during the attack.
However, the court discharged and acquitted the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, after finding that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence against him.
The judgment marks one of the most significant legal outcomes related to the 2022 Owo church massacre, which shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.
