By Adegbaju Temitope 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the trial of five men accused of masterminding the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Justice Emeka Nwite reserved judgment after counsel for both the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses.

The judge said a date for judgment would be communicated to the parties, adding that notices would be issued once the court was ready.

The case is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services and is regarded as one of the major terrorism-related trials arising from the deadly attack on the church in 2022.

During the proceedings, lead prosecuting counsel, Ayodeji Adedipe, urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the maximum punishment prescribed by law.

Adedipe argued that the nature and brutality of the attack warranted the full weight of the law, including the death penalty.

The attack on St. Francis Catholic Church during a Sunday service on June 5, 2022, left several worshippers dead and many others injured, triggering nationwide outrage and condemnation.

Counsel to the defendants, Abdullahi Mohammad, however, urged the court to discharge and acquit his clients.

He argued that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt and did not sufficiently link the defendants to the attack.

The court is expected to deliver judgment after reviewing the arguments and evidence presented by both parties during the trial.