A Federal High Court in Abuja delivered judgment Wednesday, June 3, 2026, sentencing the convicted attackers to death after the DSS proved they belonged to a proscribed terrorist group.
Justice Emeka Nwite said evidence presented by the prosecution and defence made it “clear” the men were members of “Al-Shabaab.”
He convicted Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25 on all 5 counts against them.
—Masterminds of May 30 meeting—
On count three, the judge ruled they were the masterminds of the attack, based on a meeting held May 30, 2022 — six days before worshippers were gunned down during Sunday Mass.
Justice Nwite said the prosecution’s evidence “remains credible” and was “not effectively challenged” by the defendants.
—One man walks free—
47-year-old Momoh Otuho Abubakar, the fifth defendant, was discharged and acquitted on all counts.
The judge said the DSS failed to prove count six against him — financing terrorism in connection with the attack.
—“No fewer than 41 worshippers dead”—
The Pentecost Sunday attack remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest church massacres. Gunmen stormed St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, opening fire and detonating explosives as congregants prayed.
The four convicts will now face the gallows for belonging to a terrorist group, conspiracy, and murder.