Owo Attack: Al-Shabab Terror Suspects Seek Bail in Nigerian Court
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed September 10, 2025, to deliver ruling on the bail application filed by five men accused of belonging to the Al-Shabab terrorist group and facing multiple terrorism charges.
The defendants—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—were brought to court on Tuesday under heavy security provided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). They complained that they had been in detention for three years.
Their counsel, A.G. Ibrahim, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the defendants had presented reliable and responsible sureties willing to stand for them. The bail application, dated August 11, 2025, was strongly opposed by DSS counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, who insisted that the gravity of the charges made it likely that the accused would abscond if released. He urged the court to keep them in custody.
After listening to both sides, Justice Nwite reserved his ruling until September 10.
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Meanwhile, the scheduled commencement of trial was adjourned following a request by the DSS for a change in legal representation. Eze informed the court that the service had engaged a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adedeji Adedipe, to lead the prosecution team. He added that a fiat had been sought from the Attorney General of the Federation authorizing the senior lawyer to take charge of the trial.
The accused persons face several counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations of membership of Al-Shabab’s Kogi State cell, participation in planning meetings, unlawful possession of weapons and explosives, and carrying out the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
According to the charges, the suspects allegedly used Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles to attack worshippers, killing more than 40 people and causing grievous bodily harm to over 100 others. The prosecution also accused them of holding worshippers hostage during the attack, which remains one of the deadliest terror incidents in recent years.
Justice Nwite will on September 10 determine whether the defendants will be granted bail or remain in DSS custody pending trial.
By PRNigeria
