The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday admitted additional confessional statements and a Digital Forensic Examination Report against five men standing trial over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St Francis Catholic Church.
The deadly attack, which occurred in Owo, Ondo State, claimed the lives of 41 worshippers and left over 140 others injured.
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Justice Emeka Nwite admitted the exhibits, which include additional confessional statements, a Digital Forensic Examination Report, and a techno mobile phone. The phone reportedly revealed communication exchanges among the defendants before and after the attack.
The exhibits were admitted without objection from the defence counsel, Mr. Abdullahi Mohammed, who represents the five accused persons.
Those standing trial are:
- Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25)
- Al Qasim Idris (20)
- Jamiu Abdulmalik (26)
- Abdulhaleem Idris (25)
- Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47)
At Thursday’s proceedings, the Federal Government formally closed its case after calling 11 witnesses who testified to establish the alleged offences against the defendants.
Following the development, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to March 4 and 5 for the defendants to open their defence. The accused persons are facing a nine-count charge related to the attack.
Earlier, defence counsel informed the court that only the defendants would testify in their own defence and expressed confidence that the defence case could be concluded within one day.