In a shocking turn of events, five suspects allegedly involved in the 2022 bombing of St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges. The suspects are accused of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group with a presence in Kogi State.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite and have been charged with multiple counts related to their involvement in the terrorist attack. The prosecution is being handled by the office of the Attorney-General on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the charges filed against them, the suspects allegedly joined the terrorist group in 2021 and planned the attack on the church. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of over 40 lives and numerous injuries.
The suspects have been remanded in the custody of the Department Of State Services awaiting trial, which is set to commence on August 19, 2025. The arraignment of the suspects comes after years of investigation following the attack, which was linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The then Ondo State Governor condemned the attack as a crime against humanity, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The National Security Council has been actively involved in addressing the ongoing threats posed by terrorist activities.
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