The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the High Court in Abuja to refuse bail to five men accused of involvement in the 5 June 2022 terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which killed about 40 worshippers and injured over 100 others.
The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — face nine terrorism charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025, following their arraignment on August 11.
In a counter-affidavit to the bail application, the DSS argued that the men have alleged links with foreign fighters tied to the Al-Shabab group and may abscond if released. It also warned that granting bail could endanger witnesses and compromise the trial.
“There is a high likelihood of the defendants evading trial, given their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab. Their accomplices remain at large, monitoring proceedings, intimidating witnesses, and planning to free the defendants from custody,” the DSS stated.
The agency revealed that witnesses had expressed fears of attack, prompting it to seek protective measures. Justice Emeka Nwite granted an application to shield the witnesses’ identities, allowing them to testify under protection.
Defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammad argued that his clients had been in custody since 2022 and were prepared to provide credible sureties. However, prosecuting counsel Dr Calistus Eze maintained that threats to witnesses made bail inappropriate.
After hearing arguments, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application until 10 September.