Security
DSS Seeks Death Penalty for Owo Church Attack Suspects
DSS asks a Federal High Court to sentence five suspects to death over the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death penalty on five men standing trial over the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
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Counsel to the DSS, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), made the request on Tuesday while presenting the agency’s final written address before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Adedipe urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum punishment allowed by law, arguing that the severity of the alleged offences warranted the highest sentence.
The five defendants, Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Abubakar, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on terrorism.
In response, defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad asked the court to discharge and acquit his clients, contending that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
After listening to the final submissions from both parties, Justice Nwite reserved judgment and said a date for delivery would be communicated to the prosecution and defence.
The judge indicated that parties would receive official notice once the judgment was ready, suggesting that notification could come within 24 hours.
The trial began on August 1, 2025, after the DSS secured an accelerated hearing of the case.
During the proceedings, the prosecution called 11 witnesses in an effort to prove the allegations against the defendants.
The court also admitted confessional statements attributed to the accused persons following a trial-within-trial conducted to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.
The attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo left 41 worshippers dead and more than 140 others injured, making it one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent Nigerian history.
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Judgment is now awaited on the terrorism charges brought against the five defendants.
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Security
Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle
Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.
On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.
Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.
He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.
“The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.
“This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.
“The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.
“My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”
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