Proceedings in the trial of five individuals linked to the 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, took a tense turn at the Federal High Court in Abuja, after a defence witness gave conflicting accounts under cross-examination.
The witness, Al-Qasim Idris, who is also the second defendant, appeared before the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, initially telling the court that he and others were subjected to harsh treatment while in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).
Led in evidence by defence counsel, Abdullahi Muhammad, Idris said they were taken to a hospital upon arrival in Abuja, where medical personnel questioned their condition.
He alleged that they informed the doctor about being mistreated by SSS operatives, after which they were placed on intravenous treatment and remained in the hospital for three days.
However, the prosecution, led by Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, challenged this account during cross-examination, particularly on whether Idris had disclosed the alleged abuse to his lawyer.
In his initial response, the defendant claimed he had no access to legal counsel while in SSS custody, making it impossible to report the incident.
But when confronted with evidence that his lawyer had met with him, Idris altered his testimony, stating that he had spoken to a lawyer who visited him alongside his father and brother, Idris Omeiza.
Defence counsel raised an objection and attempted to clarify the discrepancy, suggesting the witness may have been referring to a different lawyer.
However, the trial judge overruled the objection, noting that the prosecution was entitled to test the consistency of the witness’s statements.
The prosecution further asserted that the defendant’s lawyer visited him on February 26, 2026, a claim Idris acknowledged. He also confirmed that he informed the visiting lawyer about the alleged hospitalisation.
The exchange heightened tensions in the courtroom, with the prosecution suggesting that the witness’s shifting narrative undermined his credibility.
After hearing the parties, the trial judge adjourned the case to March 26 for continuation of trial.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
