Mediaplusng.com reports that five men accused of masterminding the June 2022 bombing of Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
The suspects — Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdul Malik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar — were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to the prosecution, the defendants are alleged members of the al-Shabab terrorist group, operating a cell in Kogi State, and face a nine-count charge of terrorism.
Justice Nwite ordered that the five suspects be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending trial, which has been scheduled to begin on August 19.
The Owo church attack, which shocked the nation in 2022, left dozens dead and many others injured during a Sunday Mass.
