Five Suspects Arraigned Over 2022 Owo Church Massacre

By Diafa Doubra,

Five men have been formally arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left scores dead and many injured. The deadly assault, carried out during Sunday Mass, shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.

During Monday’s court session, the defendants currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pleaded not guilty to the charges of terrorism and murder brought against them by federal prosecutors. The presiding judge fixed August 19 for the commencement of trial, with heightened security expected. Families of victims have expressed cautious optimism that justice may finally be served, more than three years after the tragedy.