Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in the trial of five men accused of involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The defendants are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the deadly attack that claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
After hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defence, Justice Nwite said a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties.
Counsel to the prosecution, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum sentence of death, arguing that the prosecution had established its case with strong evidence.
However, defence counsel, Abdullahi Mohammad, asked the court to discharge and acquit the defendants, insisting that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for justice and improved security across the country.
