A Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in the case against five men accused of orchestrating the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
Justice Emeka Nwite made the ruling on Tuesday after both sides concluded their final arguments. He said the judgment date would be communicated to the parties shortly, likely within 24 hours.
The Department of State Services prosecuted the case vigorously. Lead counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) demanded the death penalty for all defendants.
In his closing remarks, Adedipe stressed the horrific nature of the attack. He told the court that security agencies had built an ironclad case through meticulous investigation and substantial evidence.
Adedipe noted that the brutality of the assault warranted maximum punishment under Nigerian law. According to him, the prosecution had proven every element of the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Defence counsel Abdullahi Mohammad saw things differently. He urged the court to acquit all five defendants, arguing that prosecutors failed to discharge their burden of proof.
Standing trial are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
The June 2022 massacre shocked Nigerians and the world. Over 40 worshippers died in the assault that Sunday morning.
Pope Francis condemned the killings as despicable acts of terror. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the attack heinous and demanded justice.
Britain, the European Union, and the Archbishop of Canterbury also issued statements. International outrage over the incident was swift and widespread.
Then-President Muhammadu Buhari vowed Nigeria wouldn't surrender to evil forces. Ondo Governor Rotimi Akerodolu demanded tougher security measures across the state.
Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III joined voices calling for accountability. Many Nigerians demanded that perpetrators face the full force of justice.
The trial has become a crucial test of Nigeria's commitment against terrorism. Security agencies view a conviction as essential for national credibility.
Legal experts have watched proceedings closely throughout the trial. The judgment will signal how seriously courts treat mass casualty attacks.
Families of victims have attended court sessions regularly. They await the verdict with a mixture of hope and anxiety.
