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Five Suspects Face Judgment Today Over Owo Church Massacre

Published

2 months ago

June 3, 2026

Owo Church Massacre: Court Sentences Four Terrorists to Death, Acquits One

Five Suspects Face Judgment Today Over Owo Church Massacre

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 3 for judgment in the trial of five men accused of involvement in the terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. The attack, which occurred on June 5, 2022, left at least 41 worshippers dead and more than 140 others injured. The assault, one of the deadliest on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history, occurred during Sunday mass when attackers threw explosives at the altar and opened fire on congregants, scattering worshippers and plunging the community into mourning.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting the five defendants over their alleged roles in the attack. The defendants are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years). They are facing a nine-count charge bordering on terrorism, including the detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the church. One of the count charges reads: “That you, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, adults, males, with others still at large, on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, did detonate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons.”

The development comes a week after Justice Emeka Nwite reserved judgment in the case following the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and defence. At the last hearing on May 26, 2026, Nwite said a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties, adding that notice could come within 24 hours. The matter has now been scheduled for judgment on Wednesday.

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At the close of the trial, the DSS urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum punishment prescribed by law. Ayodeji Adedipe, counsel to the prosecution and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , argued that the evidence before the court established the defendants’ involvement in the attack and warranted the death penalty. Adedipe told the court that the prosecution had painstakingly established its case against the defendants through compelling evidence and detailed investigations, which reflected the determination of security agencies to ensure accountability for one of the deadliest attacks on innocent worshippers in Nigerian history.

However, Abdullahi Mohammad, counsel to the defendants, asked the court to discharge and acquit his clients, contending that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations against them.

The trial commenced on August 1, 2025, after the DSS secured an order for an accelerated hearing. During the proceedings, the prosecution called 11 witnesses in a bid to establish the terrorism allegations against the defendants. The court also admitted the defendants’ confessional statements after conducting a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily. The prosecution also tendered a digital forensic examination report alongside a phone alleged to have contained communications exchanged by the defendants before and after the terror attack.

Throughout the trial, survivors of the attack gave harrowing testimony before the court. One survivor, a couple identified in court as “SSE” and “SSD”, testified as prosecution witnesses, with the husband recounting how he had to crawl among dead bodies searching for his missing son while his wife lost both legs and her left eye as a result of injuries sustained during the attack. The wife, a nurse with the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, was wheeled to the centre of the courtroom to show the judge her amputated legs and damaged eye.

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The attack sparked national and international outrage, with world leaders including Pope Francis, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the European Union, and the United Kingdom condemning the assault. Then-President Muhammadu Buhari declared that “the country shall never give in to evil and wicked people,” while the late Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu described the attack as a “deliberate, vicious and calculated assault on peace-loving people.” The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also condemned the attack and demanded justice for the victims.

As the court prepares to deliver its judgment today, security has been tightened around the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, with armed operatives of the DSS and the Nigeria Police deployed to maintain order. The judgment is expected to be delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the trial. The Owo community, still grieving the loss of their loved ones nearly four years after the attack, has been eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trial, hoping for justice for the 41 worshippers who lost their lives and the over 140 others who sustained injuries.

Following the attack, the Ondo State Government, under Akeredolu’s leadership, led state-level emergency responses, including visits to hospitalised victims and coordination of relief efforts for affected families. The attack also prompted the South-West Governors’ Forum to declare a three-day mourning period across all South-West states, with flags flown at half-mast in all public institutions in solidarity with the victims.

Legal analysts note that if convicted, the defendants could face the death penalty, which the prosecution has strongly advocated for. However, should the court discharge and acquit the defendants, it could trigger widespread outrage from victims’ families and civil society groups who have been following the case closely. The delivery of judgment in this case comes nearly four years after the tragic attack, which remains one of the deadliest incidents of violence against worshippers in Nigeria’s recent history. Human rights organizations have called for a fair and transparent judicial process, while families of the victims have expressed hope that justice will be served. The case has also drawn attention to the broader challenge of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks on soft targets such as places of worship and schools.

As of the time of this report, the court is expected to convene later today for the judgment delivery. The trial, widely seen as a major test of Nigeria’s resolve against terrorism and mass violence, has been closely watched by legal analysts, human rights groups, and families of the victims.

Five Suspects Face Judgment Today Over Owo Church Massacre

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Prophet Jailed for Defrauding Church Members of ₦136.4m in Enugu

Published

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July 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko

Prophet Jailed for Defrauding Church Members of ₦136.4m in Enugu

A self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, has been convicted and sentenced by the Enugu State High Court for defrauding church members and other victims of ₦136.4 million through false claims of miracles, lottery winnings, and fraudulent investment schemes. The conviction followed his prosecution by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges before Justice H.O. Eya of the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu. Following his guilty plea, the prosecution, led by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Rotimi Ajobiewe, urged the court to convict him, a request the court granted. Justice Eya sentenced the convict to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦500,000 fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his landed property in Enugu, covered by a Customary Certificate of Occupancy dated July 25, 1989, and registered as No. 92 at Page 92 in Volume 512 of the Land Registry, Enugu, to the Federal Government through the EFCC. The property is to be sold, with the proceeds used to compensate victims of the fraud.

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According to the EFCC, Ajuluchukwucheya deceived unsuspecting victims between 2023 and February 2025 by claiming he had won ₦30 billion in the Baba Ijebu lottery and promising investors huge returns based on the amount they invested. The agency said the claims were false and were used to obtain ₦136.4 million from victims. The EFCC said investigations began after a petition by one of the victims, Mrs. Ngene Nkiruka Jane, who alleged that the convict collected ₦6.7 million from her after claiming he could raise her late husband from the dead and promising returns through an investment scheme. Another victim, Okey Uwakwe, reportedly paid the prophet a total of ₦13.33 million for various spiritual services, including bringing his brother, who had lived abroad since 1997, back to Nigeria and making his sister-in-law, who had been childless for over 15 years, conceive. Uwakwe’s petition to the EFCC reportedly triggered the investigation.

Investigators also alleged that the convict sold so-called spiritual products, including “miracle stickers,” “spiritual dragon,” and “Holy Ghost thunder,” claiming they possessed supernatural powers capable of bringing prosperity and solving personal problems. Each of these items reportedly cost ₦38,000, with some congregants purchasing as many as 1,000 pieces of these products. The EFCC alleged that “Holy Ghost Thunder” was purportedly meant to fight a spiritual army that blocked Prophet Koboko from accessing his claimed ₦33 billion lottery winnings. As investigations progressed, more church members reportedly came forward with similar complaints.

Prophet Jailed for Defrauding Church Members of ₦136.4m in Enugu

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Police Hunt Teacher Over Alleged Flogging to Death of 12-Year-Old Pupil in Anambra

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2026

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Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga

Police Hunt Teacher Over Alleged Flogging to Death of 12-Year-Old Pupil in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. The tragic incident, which occurred on July 16, 2026, is being investigated under the Command’s Safe School Initiative (SSI). According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Safe School Initiative team has been activated and is being led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo. The team has been mandated to track down the fleeing teacher and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

Police operatives attached to the Neni Division responded promptly after receiving a report of the incident on the evening of July 16, 2026. The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment. The victim’s body has been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. Preliminary investigations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the boy’s body, and photographs of the injuries were taken as part of the ongoing investigation.

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“The case is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” Ikenga stated. He assured the deceased’s family and the public that the investigation would be thorough, diligent, and transparent. The Anambra State Police Command has expressed deep concern over the tragic incident and reiterated its commitment to protecting schoolchildren through the Safe School Initiative. The Command has appealed to members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing teacher to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency line: 07039194332. The incident has heightened concerns over corporal punishment in schools and renewed calls for stricter measures to safeguard children in learning environments.

Police Hunt Teacher Over Alleged Flogging to Death of 12-Year-Old Pupil in Anambra

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My Period Saved Me: Oyo Woman Escapes Rape by Armed Bororo Fulani Attackers

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3 hours ago

July 18, 2026

Trends Admin

My Period Saved Me: Oyo Woman Escapes Rape by Armed Bororo Fulani Attackers

A married woman has recounted how her monthly period saved her from being sexually assaulted during a brutal armed robbery attack along the Aawe–Iwo Road in Oyo State, allegedly carried out by four armed Bororo Fulani herdsmen. The 28-year-old woman, who is the wife of the vehicle driver, told Saturday Tribune that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., when the gang barricaded the Oyo–Iwo Expressway around Akoda Village in Afijio Local Government Area. The hoodlums attacked motorists and passengers travelling from a nearby market towards Iwo Town, dispossessing them of their valuables.

Narrating her ordeal, the woman explained that she and her husband, identified as Amuda, were returning from Omo Oba Market at Lanite Village when they encountered logs used to block the road. As her husband attempted to dodge the obstruction, the vehicle got stuck in a pothole, and the armed robbers waylaid them. “When the attackers broke the side glass of our vehicle, my husband’s apprentice and I jumped out and ran into the bush in the dark,” she recounted. “I heard their footsteps behind me as they pursued and eventually caught up with me. They took me back to where our vehicle was and collected the bag containing the proceeds of our market sales.” The attackers then began dragging her deeper into the bush and attempted to have sexual intercourse with her. Trembling with fear, she reportedly pulled out the sanitary pad she was using from her torn leggings, waved it, and cried out in broken Hausa: “Yaro” (indicating she was a mother with a child) and “Mata” (indicating she was a married woman). “They beat me with their herding stick and tore my leggings. When they discovered I was menstruating, one of them was instructed to lead me out of the bush,” she narrated.

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A 20-year-old female victim who was also attacked, however, was not as fortunate. Her resistance to the alleged attempt to sexually assault her reportedly earned her repeated blows with her attackers’ herding clubs and machete cuts on both legs and one arm. As of the time of the report, she was unable to walk and had to be carried. She recounted: “He dragged me to the back of the vehicle and wanted to rape me. However, I resisted him. He tore my skirt and other clothing items I had on. He pulled off his face mask and started using his herding club (sanda) to hit my entire body. When he noticed that I was not crying but was holding his clothes tightly, he brought out his cutlass and slashed my legs and hand.” “I didn’t know how I managed to free myself from him and run into the bush. He pursued me, but I lay flat among the bushes without him noticing me,” she added.

Following a distress call received at the Police Control Room, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to move to the scene. The VCRU is a newly established tactical unit introduced by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu. The operatives secured the area, rescued the victims, and combed the crime scene, recovering the butt of a single-barrel gun and two herding clubs believed to have been used during the operation. Further intelligence-led investigation led the operatives to the hideouts of the suspects, culminating in the arrests of Abubakar Jabi, 20; Momodu Sheu, 21; Buba Abdullahi (the alleged leader); and Bello Umar, 25 — all of Bororo extraction and all hailing from Kebbi State. All four suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the robbery, and during an identification parade, the victims identified them as their attackers. A search of one of the suspects’ hideouts also led to the recovery of a rechargeable torchlight belonging to one of the victims.

In an interview, Buba, the alleged leader, claimed it was his first time engaging in armed robbery. Asked what led him into crime, he said: “We used to hear about our tribesmen doing it, so we came together to do it too. It was an evil spirit that took over us.” He admitted that the gang found their weapons—a Dane gun and a single-barrel gun—in abandoned buildings while herding. Regarding the sexual assault allegations, Buba denied attempting to rape the women. He claimed: “We asked the woman to lie down after she was dragged into the bush because we didn’t want her shouting for help. She pleaded that she was a mother with a child and also brought out her stained sanitary pad to show she was menstruating.” Each suspect reportedly received between ₦14,000 and ₦14,500 as their share of the stolen money. Sheu admitted pursuing the married woman and dragging her back, while Umar said his role was to pick up the victims’ bag containing the money.

The employer of three of the suspects, Alhaji Lawan, initially petitioned the police through a lawyer insisting his workers had been wrongly accused. However, he reportedly changed his position after hearing the suspects confess in his presence. He told Saturday Tribune: “I don’t subscribe to criminality. In fact, I once suffered greatly at the hands of herders I employed. They killed one of my children and kidnapped another. They collected ₦5 million as ransom for my second child, but three years later I have still not seen him.” Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga commended the professionalism, courage, and prompt response of the VCRU operatives, describing the operation as further evidence of the Oyo State Police Command’s determination to combat violent crime across the state. The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of investigations.