The defendants — Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdul Malik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar — were arraigned on Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court. Prosecutors allege they are members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group and operated a cell in Kogi State.
Justice Nwite fixed August 19, 2025, for trial and ordered the suspects to remain in Department of State Services (DSS) custody.
The arraignment comes three years after then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced their arrest. The National Security Council had linked the attack to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The bombing, carried out during Sunday mass in 2022, left more than 40 worshippers dead and many injured. The late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, condemned it as a “crime against humanity” and renewed calls for state police, citing the limitations of regional security outfit Amotekun.
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