The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to refuse bail applications filed by five men accused of carrying out the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022.
The suspects — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — are standing trial on a nine-count charge of terrorism marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025.
DSS counsel, Calistus Eze, told Justice Emeka Nwite that the defendants’ accomplices were still at large and actively seeking to intimidate witnesses, monitor the trial, and possibly facilitate their escape from custody.
“The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by the defendants’ cohorts and may not attend proceedings unless protected,” Eze said, adding that the service had already sought an order for witness protection.
He further argued that the defendants posed a flight risk, given their alleged links to foreign fighters connected to the Al-Shabab terrorist group.
According to the DSS, the attack on the church left at least 40 worshippers dead and more than 100 others injured.
However, defence counsel, Abdullahi Muhammad, urged the court to grant bail, insisting his clients had been in custody since 2022 and were ready to produce credible sureties to stand trial.
After listening to both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application until September 10.
Earlier in the proceedings, the DSS requested time to complete the transfer of prosecutorial authority to its new lead counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, and also secured the court’s approval to shield witnesses during testimony.
Two lawyers, Edward Ogar and Vincent Adodo, were also present in court to watch brief for the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, the complainant in the matter.
