Nigerian court sentences four to death over 2022 Owo Catholic church attack
A Nigerian court has sentenced four men to death for their involvement in the 2022 attack on a Catholic church in Owo, which resulted in numerous fatalities. The convictions included charges of terrorism, hostage-taking, and conspiracy, highlighting the challenges Nigeria faces in prosecuting terrorism cases. The attack was one of the deadliest on a place of worship in the country, with the defendants linked to the militant group al Shabaab.
- ▪Four men were sentenced to death by hanging for their roles in the 2022 Owo Catholic church attack.
- ▪The court found them guilty on multiple charges, including terrorism financing and hostage-taking.
- ▪A fifth defendant was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
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Nigerian court sentences four to death over 2022 Owo Catholic church attackSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Jun 03, 2026, 09:56 PMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 09:56 PMABUJA, June 3 - A Nigerian court has sentenced four men to death by hanging after convicting them over a 2022 attack on a Catholic church in Owo, in southwestern Ondo state, that killed dozens, a judge said on Wednesday.The ruling will be seen as a test of Nigeria’s ability to successfully prosecute terrorism cases, as the country grapples with insurgencies and widespread insecurity.Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentences after finding the defendants guilty on a nine-count charge including hostage-taking, kidnapping, terrorism financing and the detonation of explosives causing death and…
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