Owo Church Attack: Suspect Reveals Arrest Details by DSS

One of the five individuals accused by the Department of State Services (DSS) for orchestrating the June 5, 2022 assault on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, testified in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday about how he was detained by the agency.

The brutal attack led to the deaths of 41 congregants, with more than 140 others injured.

In the ongoing trial, which commenced on August 1, 2025, the DSS has presented 11 witnesses to support its claims against the accused.

During the proceedings, the court accepted the confessions made by the defendants, following a trial-within-a-trial to verify that the statements were made voluntarily.

The defendants facing charges include Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

On Wednesday, Omeiza began his defense and recounted the events surrounding his arrest under an expedited hearing at the request of the DSS, represented by his attorney, Abdullahi Muhammad. Although he identified himself as an auxiliary nurse, Omeiza delivered his testimony in Ebira, prompting the need for an interpreter.

Omeiza recounted to the court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, that he was apprehended on August 1, 2022, alongside two other boys named Hauwa and Yusuf, at the same residence.

"On the night of my arrest, I had started my morning routine of reading. I looked at the clock and it was 2:20 AM. I heard noises and decided to investigate. I opened my window and saw a group of people dressed in black and covering their faces. They forced open the door and entered," he narrated.

"They were searching for my elder brother, Jamiu, and also arrested two younger boys in the house, identified as Awal and Yusuf," he added.

In a detailed account, Omeiza stated that it was in DSS custody in Lokoja that he met the fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, who had also been detained by DSS officers.

At the DSS office in Lokoja, he explained further that the detained individuals were kept in a room where their personal details, including names, schools, occupations and their father's name, were recorded.

The next day, he said, he provided a statement but remained in detention until August 18, 2022, when he learned his elder brother had also been captured.

He further testified that prior to their transfer to Ondo State on August 18, 2022, the DSS had not mentioned anything regarding the Owo Catholic Church attack or any links to ISWAP or other terrorist organizations during their inquiries.

At the DSS headquarters in Ondo, Omeiza indicated that he and his elder brother were held in the same room where they were interrogated about the incident at the church.

The next hearing has been scheduled for March 6, when the defense phase will continue.