Thursday, June 4, 2026
COURT SENTENCES FOUR TO DEATH OVER OWO CHURCH TERROR ATTACK
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four persons to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite found the convicts guilty on terrorism-related charges brought by the Department of State Services. The four were among five suspects standing trial over the attack, which left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others injured.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has welcomed the conviction and sentencing of the suspects, describing the verdict as a major victory for justice and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor commended the judiciary, security agencies, investigators and prosecutors for their efforts in securing the judgment.
He also praised the resilience of the people of Owo and members of the Catholic community for remaining peaceful and united despite the trauma caused by the attack.
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Tiwalade Gbenga Gabriel is a graduate of Industrial Chemistry, holds a Diploma in Business Administration, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Customer Relations Management.
He currently serves as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government on New Media, where he contributes to strategic digital communication, media engagement, and the effective dissemination of information across various platforms.