By Muhammad Mamman
The Department of State Services has told a Federal High Court that the deadly attack on worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church was meticulously planned in Kogi State before being executed in Owo.
Testifying in court on Monday, a DSS operative revealed that intelligence gathered during investigations showed the suspects held several planning meetings in parts of Kogi State, where logistics, movement routes and weapons deployment were coordinated ahead of the June 2022 assault that left dozens dead and many others injured.
According to the prosecution, the defendants — who are currently facing terrorism-related charges — conducted surveillance on the church and its surroundings weeks before the attack, carefully studying worship patterns and security gaps. The DSS said mobile phone records, location data and confessional statements linked the accused directly to the Kogi meetings and subsequent execution of the operation.
The court was further told that items recovered from the suspects included firearms, improvised explosive materials and communication devices allegedly used to coordinate the strike. Prosecutors argued that the evidence demonstrates a “clear chain of planning, mobilisation and execution”.
Counsel to the DSS maintained that the attack formed part of a wider terror network operating across several states, adding that security agencies are continuing efforts to dismantle remaining cells and collaborators.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The presiding judge adjourned the case to a later date for continuation of trial, while ordering that the suspects remain in custody.
The Owo attack shocked the nation and renewed calls for stronger intelligence sharing and tighter security around places of worship, as authorities intensify efforts to bring all those responsible to justice.
