ABUJA, Nigeria — A senior official of the Department of State Services (DSS) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) allegedly planned, financed, and executed the June 5, 2022, massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Testifying as the ninth prosecution witness (PW-9), the DSS operative — identified as SSI for security reasons — said more than 40 worshippers were killed and over 100 injured during the Pentecost Sunday attack in Owo, Ondo State.
The witness, Deputy Director in charge of Counter-Terrorism Investigation, led the intelligence operation that uncovered the suspects and their alleged operational network.
Who Are the Defendants in the Owo Church Attack Trial?
Five men are currently standing trial:
- Idris Abdulmalik (25)
- Al-Qasim Idris (20)
- Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
- Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
- Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
According to the DSS, the suspects were arrested in coordinated operations across Kogi and Ondo States in August 2022.
Alleged ISWAP Network Operating in Kogi and Ondo
The DSS told the court that investigations linked the suspects to an ISWAP cell operating around Okene/Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State and parts of Ose LGA in Ondo State.
The cell was allegedly coordinated by a figure identified as “Odoba,” said to have operated around Ogaminana in Adavi LGA.
Prosecutors further alleged that the group maintained links with the Al-Shabaab element
Meeting and Instructions
Court testimony indicated that on May 30, 2022, a meeting was held at Government Secondary School, Ogaminana, where instructions were allegedly issued to attack the Catholic church in Owo during Sunday Mass.
The directive, according to the DSS witness, included an instruction to kill the priest.
Al-Qasim Idris allegedly attended that meeting and later convened another gathering in Omilafia after Jumat prayers, informing other cell members to prepare for the operation.
Two additional individuals — Mohammed and Abdullahi — were reportedly recruited to reinforce the team.
Weapons, Explosives, and “Dry Practice”
On June 4, 2022, Abdulhaleem Idris allegedly travelled to Adavi, hired a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle, and received weapons from the alleged coordinator.
The DSS said the weapons included:
- Five AK-47 rifles
- Ten magazines
- Rounds of ammunition
- Improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
That evening, the group allegedly assembled to rehearse the attack plan through what the witness described as “dry practice” — weapon handling drills conducted without live rounds.
They reportedly spent the night finalising operational details.
What Happened on June 5, 2022?
Arrival at the Church
On the morning of the attack, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., the first four defendants and an accomplice (now at large) allegedly drove to the church with weapons concealed in sacks.
They were joined by the two additional recruits.
First Shooting Outside the Church
According to testimony, two of the attackers briefly mingled with civilians before one allegedly shot a young hawker who had become suspicious.
The shooting triggered panic outside the church premises.
Carjacking and Entry into the Church
The attackers allegedly hijacked a Nissan Sunny vehicle from a passerby and drove into the church compound.
Under the direction of Al-Qasim Idris, the group reportedly spread out to execute their plan.
Explosions and Gunfire
Abdulhaleem Idris was said to have detonated at least three explosive devices, while others opened fire inside the sanctuary and around the church grounds.
The DSS testified that:
- 40 worshippers, including women and children, later died
- Several victims were brought to the hospital dead
- Dozens sustained gunshot and blast injuries
Medical reports and autopsy findings were tendered and admitted into evidence.
Financial Trail: How the Attack Was Allegedly Funded
The fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was accused of facilitating funding for the operation.
According to the DSS:
- He operated Point of Sale (POS) outlets in five locations
- His account was credited twice with N800,000 weeks before the attack
- Funds were allegedly distributed to members of the ISWAP cell
- Technical intelligence placed him in communication with the other suspects during the period surrounding the attack
The prosecution argued that there was no evidence of legitimate business transactions tied to the funds.
Evidence Presented in Court
The prosecution tendered:
- 30 photographs from the crime scene (admitted as Exhibits M–M30)
- Autopsy and medical reports
- A comprehensive DSS investigation report
Defence counsel did not object to the admissibility of the documents but requested time to study the investigation report before cross-examination.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to February 18 for continuation of trial proceedings.
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