In a chilling revelation at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a security expert detailed how a group of alleged terrorists received cash, weapons, and direct orders to unleash horror on worshippers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, back in June 2022.
The attack, which claimed dozens of lives and left many scarred, stemmed from a coordinated plot by members of the banned Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), according to testimony from a Department of State Services (DSS) investigator.
Known only as SSI for safety, the witness explained his team’s role in uncovering the scheme.
“We dug deep into intelligence networks and tech trails to pinpoint those behind this tragedy,” he recounted during the hearing before Judge Emeka Nwite.
Five men face charges in the case: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
Prosecutors accuse them of terrorism links tied to the massacre that killed over 40 people, including vulnerable women and children.
Arrests unfolded in Kogi and Ondo states months after the incident.
The probe zeroed in on a shadowy figure called Odoba, who allegedly orchestrated operations from hideouts in Okene, Adavi, and Ose areas.
Court records show Odoba summoned a secret gathering on May 30, 2022, at a local school in Ogaminana.
Their plans crystallised to strike the church during Sunday services, with a grim focus on eliminating the clergy.
“Orders came down to gear up for a Sunday assault and make sure the priest didn’t survive,” the witness testified, highlighting the plot’s ruthless intent.
Follow-up huddles in Omilafia fine-tuned the operation.
One suspect, Abdulhaleem Idris, reportedly sourced a getaway car and collected deadly supplies from Odoba the day before.
Armed with five assault rifles, extra clips, bullets, and homemade bombs, the group ran a mock drill. They bunked together overnight, priming for the dawn raid.
On the morning of June 5, the attackers piled into a rented Volkswagen Golf, hiding their arsenal in bags. They arrived at the church around 8 a.m., unleashing chaos.
Gunfire erupted inside the sanctuary and spilt outdoors, targeting fleeing congregants. Explosives ripped through the crowd, amplifying the terror.
“Explosives went off in key spots while shooters picked off anyone in sight,” SSI described, painting a scene of calculated brutality that sent 23 wounded to hospitals.
Funding emerged as a key thread in the investigation. Momoh Otuho Abubakar, a point-of-sale operator, allegedly funnelled N800,000 to the team in split payments weeks prior.
Investigators found no legitimate business explaining the transfers.
“This cash flowed straight to ISWAP operatives, fueling their mission without any cover story,” the witness stated.
Phone logs tied Abubakar to the others around attack time, strengthening the case.
Prosecutors submitted photos, a medical summary, and a full probe dossier as evidence, all accepted without challenge.
Defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammad requested more time to review documents before questioning. The trial resumes on February 18, as justice seeks closure for Owo’s victims.
AFRIPOST reports that this ISWAP-linked violence shows ongoing threats in Nigeria’s southwest. Families still grieve, demanding accountability for such funded terror acts.