Court Grants DSS Shielding of Witnesses’ Identities in Al-Shabab Terrorism Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Department of State Service’s (DSS) application to keep the identities of witnesses confidential in the trial of five alleged Al-Shabab terrorists linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request on Tuesday after the DSS argued the need to shield witnesses from potential retaliation, highlighting the sensitive nature of terrorism cases.

The accused—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—face a nine-count terrorism charge. They are alleged members of an Al-Shabab cell operating in Kogi State and are accused of carrying out the deadly attack driven by religious extremism.

Over 40 worshippers were killed and more than 100 injured in the bombing. The defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on August 11.