A Federal High Court in Abuja handed down death sentences on Wednesday. Four terrorists convicted of attacking St Francis Catholic Church in Owo received the capital punishment.
Justice Emeka Nwite found them guilty on all nine counts of terrorism charges. He ordered they be hanged until dead.
Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25, was among those sentenced. Al Qasim Idris, 20, also received the death penalty.
Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26, and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25, were the other two convicted terrorists. All four will face execution by hanging.
A fifth suspect didn't share their fate. Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, was acquitted of all charges.
The June 2022 attack killed at least 41 churchgoers during morning Mass. Another 69 worshippers sustained injuries in the assault.
Attackers hurled explosives toward the altar that Sunday. The blasts scattered panicked congregants throughout the building.
The Department of State Services arrested all five suspects. They faced trial on nine terrorism-related counts.
Investigators called 11 witnesses to build their case. The trial began on August 1, 2025.
During proceedings, the court accepted confessional statements from the defendants. A trial-within-trial had confirmed these admissions were voluntary.
Last week, Justice Nwite heard closing arguments from both sides. He then reserved judgment on the matter.
Wednesday's verdict concluded months of legal proceedings. The court's decision brings partial closure to the Owo community's tragedy.
