Owo Church Attack Suspect Alleges Torture, Death Threats in DSS Custody

A defendant standing trial over the 2022 attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo has told a court that he was threatened with death and coerced into making statements while in detention.

Al-Qasim Idris made the allegation on Wednesday while giving evidence before the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja. 

He said officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) maltreated him after his arrest.

According to Idris, the alleged abuse left him hospitalised for three days before he was transferred to an underground cell. 

He told the court that a female DSS officer later questioned him about the massacre, accused him of lying, and warned that he could spend decades in detention if he failed to confess.

Idris testified that the officer threatened that, should he die in custody, his body would be disposed of without his family being informed. 

He said he maintained his innocence and declined to admit to an offence he said he did not commit.

The defendant further alleged that he was compelled to respond to a written statement under instruction, answering selectively as directed by officers.

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He said the questioning extended to personal details and contacts on his phone, after which he was returned to detention.

The suspect also accused a male DSS operative, identified in court as Segun Kayode, of threatening him with death while urging him to “tell the truth.”

Notwithstanding, Idris disclosed he rejected the claim and again asserted his innocence.

Addressing phone location data linked to the day of the attack, Idris told the court that although his SIM card showed activity in a nearby community, he was at his family’s farm in a neighbouring area within walking distance, which he said explained the discrepancy.

Presiding judge Emeka Nwite adjourned proceedings until March 26 for the continuation of the trial.