A Nigerian court has sentenced four men to death for a horrific 2022 massacre at a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state, where 41 worshippers were killed and over 100 injured during a Pentecost service. The attackers opened fire on the congregation and detonated explosives, causing widespread devastation.
Death Sentences Handed Down
The four men—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, and Abdulhaleem Idris—were convicted in Abuja on nine counts, including membership in a banned terrorist organization and carrying out mass murder. Judge Emeka Nwite described the evidence as watertight, noting it was "neither shaken nor contradicted during cross examination." The trial, which began in August 2025, was fast-tracked due to the severity of the crime.
Harrowing Testimonies
The court heard from eyewitnesses, including a woman who suffered life-changing injuries after a dynamite bomb was detonated inside the church. She had both legs amputated below the knee and lost her left eye. Another witness recognized two of the defendants in the dock. Prosecutor Ayodeji Adedipe stated, "Justice has been served, justice has been done to the deceased who were murdered in cold blood."
Appeals and Acquittals
Lawyers for the condemned men have vowed to appeal, claiming their clients were tortured in custody—hung from ceilings, beaten, and subjected to electric shocks. A fifth suspect, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. He had been accused of financing the attack but maintained the funds came from his farming business.
Broader Security Crisis
The Owo massacre is part of a wave of attacks on churches in Nigeria, sparking international concern. US President Donald Trump criticized Nigeria for failing to protect Christians, and US forces launched air strikes on jihadist camps in December 2025. However, independent monitors note that most victims of jihadist violence in the region are Muslims. The Nigerian government denies any state-backed persecution of Christians.
Before the executions can proceed, the Nigerian President must sign off. No executions have taken place in Nigeria for several years.
