Over three years after the horrific terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, justice may finally be catching up with the perpetrators. The Federal Government has announced plans to arraign five suspects linked to the June 5, 2022, massacre, which claimed the lives of numerous worshippers and left the nation in shock.

The suspects Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar were escorted into the Federal High Court in Abuja under heavy security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS). They are to face trial before Justice Emeka Nwite.

According to court filings, the accused were allegedly members of the Al Shabab Terrorist Group, with a cell operating in Kogi State. The prosecution claims that in 2021 and 2022, the group held several meetings in Kogi and Ondo States to plan the deadly assault on the Owo church, a plan they allegedly executed with devastating effect.

The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has filed nine criminal charges against them, including membership of a terrorist group, conspiracy, and carrying out a terrorist attack, all punishable under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The court proceedings mark a significant step in seeking justice for the victims and their families. For many Nigerians, this trial is not just about punishment, it’s a test of the country’s commitment to fighting terrorism and ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.

As the legal battle begins, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Abuja to see how this chapter of a dark national tragedy unfolds.