Amanze Chinonye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man it describes as the sixth and final suspect linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State a massacre that left more than 40 worshippers dead and many others injured, Prime Business Africa reports.
Security sources identified the suspect as Sani Yusuf, alleged to be a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He was apprehended in Iguosa community, along the Powerline axis of Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, after reportedly evading capture for nearly four years.
Years Underground
According to verified sources familiar with the operation, Yusuf fled to Kano in the aftermath of the church attack before relocating to Edo State, where he allegedly kept a low profile while security operatives tracked his movements.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHis arrest, sources said, followed sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at dismantling the network behind one of the deadliest attacks in southern Nigeria in recent years.
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Alleged Role in Multiple Attacks
Investigators claim Yusuf has confessed to playing a coordinating role in the Owo church assault, which occurred during Pentecost Sunday Mass and sent shockwaves across the country.
Beyond Owo, he is also alleged to have admitted involvement in other violent operations attributed to ISWAP, including:
- The July 2022 attack on a military facility in Suleja, Niger State
- The Zuma Rock checkpoint assault in Suleja that reportedly killed five soldiers
- Several kidnapping operations in Kaduna State and surrounding communities
Security sources further disclosed that Yusuf revealed operational links to Abu Ikirimah, described as a key ISWAP figure arrested by the DSS in 2024.
Ongoing Prosecution
Five other suspects Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) are currently facing prosecution on terrorism-related charges in connection with the Owo attack.
At the time of the massacre, Late former President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings as “heinous” and pledged that those responsible would be tracked down.
Security officials described Yusuf’s arrest as a major step in concluding investigations into the Owo carnage and related terror activities, though the DSS has yet to release an official statement on the development.
The case remains one of the most high-profile terror prosecutions in Nigeria’s recent history, reflecting growing concerns over insurgent operations beyond the country’s traditional conflict zones.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
