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DSS apprehend sixth suspect over Owo Church massacre
Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested a sixth suspect in connection with the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo, Ondo State.
The Nation gathered on Wednesday morning that the latest arrest is linked to the deadly assault that shocked the country in 2022.
More than 40 worshippers were killed during the attack, while several others sustained injuries.
The DSS is already prosecuting five suspects for their alleged roles in the incident. They are Idris Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; Abdulhaleem Idris, 25; and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47. The suspects are facing charges related to acts of terrorism.
For nearly four years, the sixth suspect evaded arrest, making him one of the most wanted fugitives in Nigeria.
A security source disclosed that DSS operatives, who had for years been on the trail of the sixth suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, arrested him in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the source, Yusuf, a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had after the Owo church attack, temporarily slipped into Kano before deciding to relocate to the sleepy community in Edo State.
The source further disclosed that Yusuf has since confessed to being involved in the planning and execution of the Owo church massacre.
In addition, the source said he confessed to other terrorist attacks by ISWAP, including the July 2022 Suleja military barracks attack, and kidnappings in Kaduna State and environs.
“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault, which claimed the lives of five soldiers, and several ISWAP kidnap operations.
“Yusuf also disclosed that he served under other ISWAP top commanders like Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.
“This arrest marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church attack, the soldiers killed at Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja, and underscores the relentless campaign by the DSS in the fight against terrorism,” another credible source said.
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