The Federal Government is set to arraign 5 suspects accused of carrying out the terrorist attack of 5th June at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo Ondo State.
The defendants are facing a 9 count charge of alleged terrorism, punishable under section 24(2)(A) of the terrorism prevention and Prohibition Act.
They are accused by the federal government of on 30th May, 2022 and June 3-4th 2022 held a meeting at Government Secondary School, Ogamirana, Adavi LGA, Kogi State and behind Omialafa Central Mosque, Ose LGA, Ondo State, respectively, where they conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts, to attack St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
https://www.tvcnews.tv/death-toll-in-owo-massacre-rises-to-41/
During the attack, they allegedly caused the death of over 40 persons and grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons as well as damage to the church building after forcefully holding them hostage to advance their religious ideology.
https://www.tvcnews.tv/update-we-arrested-owo-church-attackers-in-kogi-cds/
These alleged offenses are contrary to Section 26 Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants are to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Justice Nwite is sitting as a vacation judge, as the court is currently on its annual vacation.
The attack in Owo had thrown the town into mourning with over 40 people confirmed dead and several others injured.
The attack also left a deep gash in the psyche of the people of the town with many speculating on who was responsible for the massacre.
Then governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who is an indigene of the town was left speechless at the level of destruction left by the attackers.
He was also the one to confirm the arrest of some of the attackers when investigations into the attack were in full swing.
