On June 3, 2026, the federal court in Abuja sentenced four men to death by hanging. These men triggered the bloody June 5, 2022 massacre in Owo town. They hit the St. Francis Church.
Now they face death for killing 41 worshippers in southwestern Nigeria. But the defense team vows to fight this ruling. They will appeal the decision.
And the prosecution remains firm. Ayodeji Adedipe, the lead prosecutor, declared: "Justice has been served, justice has been done to the deceased." This ruling marks a major moment for state security forces in the Abuja court building.
What Happened During the Abuja Trial?
The court convicted four men on nine counts of terrorism. But the judge freed a fifth suspect due to weak evidence. Now the four convicted men await death by hanging.
Records filed with the bureau prove the state called 11 witnesses to secure these convictions. One female survivor lost both legs and her left eye. Yet she stood strong and told the judge about the horrors inside the church.
And the defense argued that physical torture tainted the confessions. But the court rejected these claims. The judge ruled the confessions valid.
Why Does the Intelligence Narrative Conflict?
State agents linked the group to Al-Shabaab. But security analysts point to the Islamic State West Africa Province. This clash exposes a major split in the official case files.
And local files show a key arrest occurred on February 25, 2026. Operatives grabbed commander Sani Yusuf in Edo State. Now his confession challenges the state story told in court.
He admitted to planning the Owo massacre. He worked under commander Abu Ikirimah. State forces caught Ikirimah back in 2024.
How Do the New Reforms Compare to Old Practices?
Nigeria has shifted toward quick terror trials in the federal court. This new style targets persistent security gaps across the nation. And it brings swift justice to grieving Christian families.
Indicator | Old Court Model | Proposed Court Reforms |
|---|---|---|
Trial Speed | Trials dragged for years without end. | Fast hearings mandate quick verdicts. |
Evidence Rules | Relying on disputed confessions. | Verifying physical locations and data. |
Agency Work | Groups worked in deep silos. | Joint forces link local and global teams. |
But global pressure remains high. President Donald Trump tagged Nigeria on October 31, 2025. So, the state must prove its legal system works in Ondo State.
And the U.S. military has taken direct action to destroy radical camps. On May 16, 2026, Navy SEAL Team 6 killed ISIS operator Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. This raid dealt a heavy blow to regional terror networks.
Discussion