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Court Approves DSS Request To Protect Witnesses In Owo Church Attack Trial

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Department of State Services’ (DSS) request to protect the identities of witnesses in the trial of five suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead and more than 100 injured. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed and argued by DSS counsel, Dr. C. S. Eze.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Eze told the court that terrorism-related cases are highly sensitive and pose significant security risks to witnesses. He emphasized that safeguarding witnesses was crucial to ensure the trial proceeded without intimidation or harm to those willing to testify.

Noting that the defence did not oppose the application, Justice Nwite directed that the DSS must withhold the names and identities of witnesses providing evidence in the trial.

The defendants—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—were arraigned on August 11, 2025, on a nine-count terrorism charge under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025. According to the DSS, the men are alleged members of an Al-Shabaab cell operating in Kogi State and are accused of carrying out the Owo church massacre as part of an extremist religious agenda.

The June 2022 attack shocked the nation when assailants stormed St. Francis Catholic Church during Sunday mass, detonating explosives and opening fire on worshippers. The attack claimed over 40 lives and left more than 100 others injured, drawing widespread national and international condemnation. The Ondo State Government and the Catholic Church described it as an assault on humanity.

Upon the reading of the charges, all five defendants pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to continue in Abuja under heightened security, with the DSS now mandated by the court to protect the identities of its witnesses.

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“Borno Under Siege: Governor Zulum And FG Combine Forces In Massive Search For 44 Captive Children!”.

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Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has announced that both the federal and state administrations are actively collaborating to rescue 44 pupils who were abducted from the Mussa community in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Zulum shared this update on Friday during a meeting with the parents of the missing children, who had previously urged authorities to step up rescue efforts following the May 15 incident at Mussa Central Primary School.

Key Updates on the Rescue Efforts

  • Presidential Directive: Governor Zulum conveyed sympathy from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirming that the President has directed security agencies to prioritize and ensure the safe return of the students.

  • Government Collaboration: Assurances were given that the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Federal Government, and the Borno State Government are closely working together to secure the captives.

  • High-Level Delegation: The meeting included key officials such as Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (representing Southern Borno), Acting Chief of Staff Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Education Commissioner Lawan Abba Wakilbe, and other state dignitaries.

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“Unite Or Perish: CAN Drops Massive Ultimatum On Church And Government Collaboration!”.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State chapter, has advocated for deepened cooperation between the church, the government, and traditional institutions to advance peace, unity, and sustainable development across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This call was issued through a 10-point communiqué following a three-day Ministers of the Gospel Conference held at the CAN Secretariat along FGGC Road in Jalingo. The gathering, themed “The Roles of the Church and the State in Advancing God’s Purpose in a Changing World,” brought together diverse leaders, including bishops, pastors, traditional rulers, politicians, and delegates from across the state’s 16 local government areas and two development areas.

Key Highlights from the Communiqué

  • Complementary Roles: Signed by Taraba CAN Chairman Rev. Fr. Williams P. Awoshiri and Conference Working Committee Chairman Bishop (Dr.) Innocent R. Solomon, the document emphasizes that the church and government hold distinct yet mutually supportive responsibilities in nation-building, with the church focusing on moral guidance and human dignity, and the government handling security and infrastructure.

  • Leadership and Governance: Christian political officeholders were urged to treat their positions as avenues for service rather than personal gain, mirroring biblical figures of integrity. Meanwhile, churches were encouraged to provide moral leadership without getting entangled in partisan politics.

  • Church-State Relations & Traditional Institutions: CAN stressed the importance of mutual respect, constitutional independence, and constructive collaboration, suggesting that churches expand their support in areas like education and healthcare while retaining the right to speak truth to power. The association also called for traditional rulers to be actively involved in grassroots policymaking.

  • Unity and Conflict Resolution: Acknowledging Taraba’s multi-ethnic landscape, CAN urged church leaders to bridge denominational divides and take active roles in early-intervention peacebuilding and traditional dispute resolution to forestall communal conflicts.

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“Betrayal Of The Highest Order: Isaac Fayose Slams Adeleke For ‘Joining Oppressors’ After Tragic Loss Of 29 Supporters!”.

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Nigerian businessman Prince Isaac Fayose has strongly criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke following the recent gubernatorial election in the state. Fayose expressed deep frustration regarding the governor’s decision to engage with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the aftermath of the electoral process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports surrounding the August 15 election, tensions ran high as both the Accord Party and the APC traded accusations regarding violence and casualties among their supporters. Despite these intense disputes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ultimately announced the election results.

Shortly after the conclusion of the exercise, Governor Adeleke held meetings with prominent political figures, including engagements involving federal leadership, which sparked varied reactions from political commentators and party members alike. Weighing in on the development via social media, Fayose questioned the political alignment, expressing sorrow over the lives reportedly lost during the campaigns and raising concerns over the substantial financial expenditures deployed by rival political parties during the election cycle.

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