DSS Opposes Bail for Owo Church Attack Suspects, Cites Terror Links.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to refuse bail for five men accused of taking part in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where about 40 worshippers were killed and more than 100 injured.

In its counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, the DSS claimed the men maintained links with foreign terrorist fighters associated with the Al-Shabab group and could flee if released. It further warned that granting bail might compromise witness safety and obstruct the trial.

The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — were arraigned on August 11 on nine terrorism-related charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025.

According to the DSS, “there is a very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to the Al-Shabab terrorist group. The defendants’ accomplices are still at large and making frantic efforts to monitor the proceedings, intimidate witnesses, and free the defendants from lawful custody.” The agency added that prosecution witnesses had already expressed fear of possible attacks and would not testify unless provided with protection.

To address these concerns, the DSS filed an ex parte application seeking protective measures for witnesses. Justice Emeka Nwite later granted the request, allowing witnesses to testify under pseudonyms, hooded or veiled, with their personal details shielded from the public.

Meanwhile, defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammad urged the court to grant bail, stressing that his clients had been in custody since 2022 and were willing to provide reliable sureties to ensure their attendance at trial. But prosecuting counsel Dr. Calistus Eze countered that the application was baseless, citing active threats against witnesses.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application to September 10.

At the opening of proceedings earlier in the day, Eze informed the court that the DSS had handed over the case to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ayodeji Adedipe, who would now lead the prosecution. He sought an adjournment to allow the Attorney General’s office to issue the necessary fiat, a request that went unopposed by the defence.