The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the High Court in Abuja to refuse bail to five men accused of involvement in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which killed about 40 worshippers and injured over 100 others.
The DSS argued that the men, identified as Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, have alleged links with foreign fighters tied to the Al-Shabab group and may abscond if released.
The agency also warned that granting bail could endanger witnesses and compromise the trial, citing ongoing threats to prosecution witnesses and potential intimidation.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted an application to shield the witnesses’ identities and adjourned ruling on the bail application until September 10.
