Priest Gives Emotional Testimony as Trial Begins for 2022 Owo Church Massacre
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday opened proceedings in the long-delayed trial of five men accused of orchestrating the 2022 Pentecost Sunday attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State—a tragedy that left more than 40 worshippers dead and over 100 others seriously injured.
The first prosecution witness, a Catholic priest identified only as “SSA” for security reasons, delivered a gripping and emotionally charged account of the attack while testifying behind a protective screen. His testimony marked the most detailed public description yet of what happened that morning.
The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — are facing a nine-count amended charge brought by the Department of State Services (DSS). They all pleaded not guilty before Justice Emeka Nwite.
“We Suddenly Heard a Loud Noise… Then Gunshots”
The priest, who presided over the First Mass on June 5, 2022, recalled that the attack began in the final moments of the service.
“As the Mass was coming to a close, we suddenly heard a loud noise, followed by sporadic gunshots,” he said while being led in evidence by DSS counsel Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN). “There was commotion and chaos among the congregation.”
He initially assumed someone had fallen, but that changed instantly when he saw two parishioners rush toward the main entrance to lock it. Seconds later, an elderly church member ran to the altar, shouting that the church was under attack.
“At that moment, I heard more gunshots outside. I wanted to run, but the children were there. I could not leave them,” he told the court.
Taking Refuge in a Restroom With Children
The priest recounted leading several children to the only safe space available—the restroom connected to the sanctuary.
“While inside, we continued to hear gunshots,” he said. He recalled at least two explosions, then a third blast so close that “the effect was like the ground opening to swallow us.”
After an uncertain period, church members reached the hiding place and informed them that the attackers had fled.
“I Saw My Choir Master Shot in the Chest”
Stepping outside, the priest said he was confronted with scenes of horror.
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“Bodies were scattered around the church. I saw my choir master shot in the chest. He called me to pray for him. I did—but I told him we must take him to the hospital.”
He described the frantic effort to save the injured.
“I shouted that anyone who could still drive should help move our brothers and sisters to the hospital.”
The priest personally drove two trips to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, transporting victims. By the time he returned for the second time, ambulances from FMC and St. Louis Catholic Hospital had arrived.
“The emergency ward was filled. With the wailing and crying, I couldn’t even drive again,” he said.
“I Could Not Identify the Attackers”
Under cross-examination, the priest said he could not estimate the number of people killed in the immediate aftermath.
“It was like that proverb: the person hit by a vehicle does not wait to note the number plate,” he said.
He also admitted that he could not determine how many attackers were involved.
“With the commotion and my desire to rescue the children quickly, I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack.”
Charges Amended; Hearing Adjourned
Earlier, the prosecution informed the court that the charges had been amended to correct minor errors. All five defendants pleaded not guilty again after the fresh charges were read.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to January 13 and 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
Public Reactions and Lingering Questions
The opening of the trial has reignited public debate, especially over the three-year delay between the attack and the commencement of prosecution. Many Nigerians expressed frustration over the slow pace of justice, noting that such delays weaken deterrence and prolong the suffering of victims’ families.
Others questioned the motive behind the attack, the number of suspects involved, and whether the full network of planners has been uncovered. Some Nigerians fear that political interference or security lapses could hinder the case.
Despite these concerns, victims, families, and church members say they hope the trial marks the beginning of long-awaited justice.