A witness for the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday narrated before a Federal High Court in Abuja how the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church was allegedly planned, funded and executed.
The witness, identified as SSI and testifying as the ninth prosecution witness (PW9), said he led the counter-terrorism investigation into the attack, which left over 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Arrests and Alleged ISWAP Links
According to the witness, intelligence gathering and technical analysis led to the arrest of five suspects in August 2022 in Kogi and Ondo states. The defendants are:
Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25)
Al-Qasim Idris (20)
Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
The DSS alleges that the accused were members of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a proscribed terrorist organisation. The witness said they belonged to a cell operating in parts of Kogi and Ondo states under the coordination of an individual identified as “Odoba,” who is currently at large.
Alleged Planning and Weapons Supply
PW9 testified that on May 30, 2022, a meeting was held in Ogaminana, Kogi State, where instructions were allegedly given to attack the Catholic church in Owo on a Sunday service. He said the directive included targeting the priest.
According to the testimony:
Weapons supplied allegedly included five AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
A vehicle was reportedly hired to transport the attackers and weapons.
A “dry practice” session was conducted prior to the attack.
Surveillance and logistics were allegedly arranged the night before the incident.
Account of the Attack
The witness told the court that on the morning of June 5, 2022, the attackers arrived near the church with weapons concealed in sacks. He alleged that gunfire and explosive devices were used during the attack, resulting in mass casualties.
He said 40 victims later died at the Federal Medical Centre, while dozens sustained injuries. Medical reports, autopsy findings and 30 photographs from the scene were tendered and admitted as evidence without objection from the defence.
Alleged Financial Role of 5th Defendant
Addressing the role of the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, the witness said investigations revealed he operated multiple Point of Sale (POS) units. His account was allegedly credited with ₦800,000 in two tranches weeks before the attack.
The DSS claims he distributed the funds to members of the ISWAP cell, including the other defendants, and that technical evidence showed communication between him and the co-accused around the time of the attack.
Adjournment
The prosecution tendered what it described as a comprehensive investigation report, which was admitted into evidence. Defence counsel requested time to study the documents before cross-examination.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to February 18 at 11 a.m. for continuation of proceedings.
