Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the sixth and final suspect in the deadly 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of over 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
The suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in Iguosa community along Powerline in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State after nearly four years on the run, making him one of Nigeria’s most wanted fugitives until his capture.
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A security source with direct knowledge of the operation told DDNewsOnline that Yusuf, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), had evaded arrest since the May 29, 2022, massacre by relocating several times, first to Kano and later to the relatively quiet Edo community.
Confessions & Other Admissions During preliminary interrogation, Yusuf reportedly confessed to being directly involved in the planning and execution of the Owo church attack.
Participating in the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack in Niger State, which killed five soldiers at a Zuma Rock checkpoint.
Leading and coordinating multiple kidnap operations in Kaduna State and surrounding areas on behalf of ISWAP.
Serving under other senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.
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The source added: “This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church massacre, the soldiers killed at Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja, and underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in the fight against terrorism.”
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The DSS is already prosecuting five other suspects in connection with the Owo attack including Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).
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All five face terrorism-related charges. Sani Yusuf is expected to be added to the ongoing trial or charged separately upon conclusion of investigation.
On Pentecost Sunday, May 29, 2022, gunmen stormed St. Francis Catholic Church during Mass, killing over 40 worshippers including children and injuring dozens in one of the deadliest single attacks on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history. ISWAP later claimed responsibility.
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The arrest of the sixth suspect brings some measure of closure to one of the most tragic incidents of the insurgency in the South-West.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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