Lilian Ugwu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has urged the defence team in the ongoing trial linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo to ensure that witness testimonies remain directly connected to the charges before the court.
Presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, made the remark on Tuesday while addressing concerns raised during the proceedings involving five individuals accused in connection with the incident.
The case, being prosecuted by the Department of State Services on behalf of the Federal Government, has progressed into the defence phase following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, which involved the testimony of multiple witnesses.
During the session, the prosecution counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, observed that the pattern of testimony presented by the defence appeared repetitive and not sufficiently aligned with the specific allegations. He argued that such an approach could unnecessarily prolong the trial.
Responding to the concerns, Justice Nwite emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between the defendants’ constitutional right to fair hearing and the need for efficient court proceedings. While affirming that the defendants must not be denied the opportunity to present their case, the judge noted that their testimonies should remain focused on the issues in dispute.
He therefore advised defence counsel, Abdullahi Mohammed, to guide witnesses more effectively so that their evidence directly addresses the charges, thereby avoiding delays and ensuring orderly proceedings.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to March 25 for continuation of hearing.
In earlier testimony, one of the defence witnesses recounted circumstances surrounding his arrest in August 2022 by operatives of the Department of State Services, describing how he was taken from his residence in Kogi State to an interrogation facility where he was questioned regarding the incident.
The trial stems from the deadly attack on the Catholic church in Owo, which resulted in significant loss of lives and injuries, marking one of the most serious security incidents in the region in recent years.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.