The trial for the horrific attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, entered a definitive new phase on Wednesday as the defence began its case. Abdulmalik Omeiza, one of five individuals accused by the Department of State Services (DSS) of carrying out the June 5, 2022, assault, took the witness stand at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Defendant's Testimony
Led in evidence by his lawyer, Abdullahi Muhammad, during an accelerated hearing, Omeiza provided the first detailed narrative from a defendant regarding the circumstances of their arrest. He testified that DSS operatives apprehended him on August 1, 2022. According to his account, he was taken alongside two other young individuals named Hauwa and Yusuf from the same residence.
A notable procedural detail emerged as Omeiza, who claimed to be an auxiliary nurse, chose to deliver his testimony in the Ebira language. This necessitated the court to secure an interpreter, highlighting the linguistic considerations in this high-profile national case.
Context of the Attack and Trial
The attack on St. Francis Catholic Church remains one of the deadliest assaults on a place of worship in Nigeria's recent history. The violence resulted in the death of 41 worshippers and left more than 140 others with various degrees of injury, sending shockwaves across the nation and intensifying demands for justice and enhanced security for religious gatherings.
The DSS, which is prosecuting the case, had previously presented its arguments, calling 11 witnesses to establish the allegations against the defendants. The trial officially commenced on August 1, 2025, and has been under close scrutiny by victims' families, human rights organizations, and the international community.
What Comes Next
Omeiza's testimony initiates the defence's formal response to the prosecution's case. The proceedings represent a significant step in a long and painful journey for the victims' families and the community of Owo, who have awaited accountability for nearly three years. The court's handling of this phase will be critical in determining the trajectory of justice for one of Nigeria's most tragic modern incidents.
