By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted a request by the Department of State Service (DSS) to shield the identities of witnesses slated to testify in the trial of five alleged Al-Shabab terrorists accused over the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers died.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte application filed and argued by the DSS. Moving the application, legal practitioner Dr. C. S. Eze said the measure was necessary to protect the witnesses from possible attacks, noting that terrorism cases are sensitive and require court-ordered safeguards.
With no opposition, Justice Nwite granted the application and directed the DSS not to disclose the names or identities of the witnesses who will give evidence in the matter.
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The defendants Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, filed by the DSS.
They are accused of being members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group, belonging to a cell in Kogi State, and of carrying out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology.
Over 40 people were reported to have died in the bomb attack, while more than 100 others sustained injuries.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them in court.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
