By Nworisa Michael
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a sixth suspect in connection with the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The attack, which occurred during a Sunday Mass, left dozens of worshippers dead and many others injured, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
Security sources said the latest suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, was apprehended in Edo State after allegedly evading arrest for several years. He was reportedly tracked to Ovia North-East Local Government Area following sustained intelligence operations.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Yusuf is believed to be linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and is alleged to have participated in the planning and execution of the Owo church attack. Authorities say he is currently assisting investigators.
The DSS had earlier arraigned five other suspects over the incident. They are Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, who are facing terrorism-related charges in connection with the attack.
The arrest of the sixth suspect marks a further development in the ongoing investigation, as security agencies continue efforts to bring all those responsible for the attack to justice.
