Warning Issued by DSS: Releasing Owo Church Attack Accused Persons Could Potentially Jeopardize Safety
In a tense courtroom setting, the trial of five men accused of the June 5, 2022, Owo Church attack is ongoing. The suspects, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, were arraigned on August 11, 2025, on nine terrorism-related charges.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has linked these suspects to foreign terrorist fighters connected to the Al-Shabab group, raising concerns about potential evasion of trial, intimidation of witnesses, or interference with the prosecution if granted bail. As a result, the DSS has opposed bail requests, emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations and the risks to both public safety and the judicial process.
The investigation and trial continue with strong security concerns about potential intimidation of witnesses by the suspects' alleged foreign and terrorist contacts. The DSS has also highlighted that some accomplices of the suspects remain at large and are actively monitoring the trial to possibly influence its outcome.
During the court hearing, Prosecuting lawyer, Dr. Calistus Eze, did not mention any new evidence or witnesses. Instead, he urged the court to reject the bail application, deeming it unmeritorious due to ongoing threats to potential witnesses.
On the other hand, the defense lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, stated that the defendants were ready to present credible and reliable sureties. He also noted that his clients had been in custody since they were arrested in 2022. However, the defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties.
In response to concerns about witness safety, a filing for witness protection has been made by the prosecution. The court has not yet granted or denied the bail application as of the time of this news article.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned till September 10 for a ruling on the bail application. The DSS is currently investigating leads to apprehend those individuals who plan to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the defendants.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has demonstrated readiness for a speedy trial of the substantive charge. The defense lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, moved the bail application for the defendants on Tuesday. The five suspects are aged between 20 and 47 years.
As the trial progresses, the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the judicial process remain paramount concerns. The DSS has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to deny bail to the five men, warning that their release could endanger the lives of witnesses.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
