DSS urges court to deny bail to Owo church attack suspects over alleged ties to Al-Shabab.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to deny bail to five men accused of participating in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which killed about 40 worshippers and injured over 100.
In a counter-affidavit, the DSS alleged the defendants—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—have links to foreign terrorist fighters tied to Al-Shabab. It argued that granting them bail could compromise the trial and endanger witnesses.
“There is a very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab terrorist group,” the DSS stated, adding that accomplices are attempting to intimidate witnesses.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail application until September 10. He also granted an application for witness protection, allowing witnesses to testify under anonymity.