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The death sentence handed to four men over the 2022 Owo church massacre provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said on Wednesday.
A federal high court in Abuja sentenced the four convicts to death by hanging after finding them guilty on a nine-count terrorism charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
“This judgement provides a measure of closure and hope that justice is possible,” Aiyedatiwa said in a statement by his chief press secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The governor described the court verdict as a victory for justice, the rule of law, and for all victims of the heinous attack that claimed the lives of innocent worshippers and left many others injured.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the diligence of the prosecution team, the thoroughness of investigators, and the courage of the judiciary have shown that the government will not tolerate acts of terror or violence against its people.
“This judgement sends a clear message that those who take innocent lives will face the full weight of the law, no matter how long it takes,” he said.
The governor also appreciated the resilience of the people of Owo and the Catholic community who, despite the trauma, have remained steadfast and committed to peace.
GOV AIYEDATIWA COMMENDS JUDICIARY, SECURITY AGENCIES ON DEATH SENTENCE OF OWO TERROR ATTACK SUSPECTS
Ondo State Governor, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Judiciary and security agencies for securing the conviction and death sentence of the four… pic.twitter.com/4VKnMNXret
— ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT (@OndoStateOnline) June 3, 2026
The convicts, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 25; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25, were sentenced on Wednesday by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, relying on evidence including witness testimony, phone-tracking data, cell-tower records, and confessional statements.
