Two additional witnesses on Tuesday testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the ongoing trial of five men accused of masterminding the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
The Department of State Services (DSS) also tendered additional exhibits, which were admitted by Justice Emeka Nwite without objection from the defence.
The defendants are being prosecuted by the DSS on a nine-count amended charge bordering on terrorism and related offences. They are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47). All five had pleaded not guilty at their arraignment.
At the hearing, the two prosecution witnesses, identified only as SSB and SSC for security reasons, recounted how the attackers stormed the church during Sunday Mass.
SSB, a female student from Anambra State, told the court that the assailants forced their way into the church, locked the main entrance and opened fire on worshippers, including those in the choir gallery.
She testified that after she raised her head while one of the attackers was speaking, an explosive device was placed close to her head. She said she narrowly moved away before it detonated.
With the court’s permission, the witness displayed her injured left leg, explaining that she had undergone four surgeries and still had metal implants in the limb.
She further told the court that a two-year-old relative was shot from behind during the attack and died instantly.
The second witness, SSC, corroborated her testimony, stating that about 40 worshippers were counted dead shortly after the attackers fled the scene. He added that the church was bombed three times, resulting in extensive damage.
Both witnesses confirmed that they were invited by the DSS to its Akure office, where they voluntarily gave statements on May 26, 2024. Their extra-judicial statements were admitted as Exhibits B and C, following the absence of objections from the defence.
At the close of proceedings, counsel to the DSS, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution intended to call seven more witnesses, although only two would testify at the next sitting.
Defence counsel, Abdullahi Auwal Mohammed, appeared for the five defendants.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 14 for continuation of trial.
The court recalled that a Catholic priest, also identified as SSA, had earlier testified as the first prosecution witness.
