A chilling account emerged in Abuja on Wednesday as a suspect in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church attack trial revealed alleged threats by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Al-Qasim Idris, one of the accused, told the Federal High Court he was warned that his body could be fed to crocodiles if he refused to confess to involvement in the 2022 massacre.
The testimony paints a harrowing picture of Idris’ detention, detailing abuse, hospitalisation, and extreme psychological pressure while in DSS custody.
Hospitalised and Underground: A Suspect’s Ordeal
Idris told Federal High Court that after three days in hospital following maltreatment, he was moved to an underground cell.
There, a female DSS officer reportedly questioned him extensively about his alleged role in the attack.
“She asked for my name, and I told her. She asked me what my offense was and why I was arrested.
I told her I didn’t do anything. She said I was lying and not telling her the truth,” Idris recounted.
The officer allegedly warned that refusal to confess would lead to 50 years in detention—and even that his corpse could be fed to crocodiles.
Idris said he maintained his innocence and left his fate to God.
Coerced Statements and Personal Probing
The suspect described being forced to answer a writ
ten statement with pre-determined responses: “yes” for some questions, “I don’t know” for others.
The officer also probed personal details, including his family contacts, occupation, and connections on his phone.
Idris was reportedly instructed to pray before being returned to his underground cell.
Another DSS officer, identified as Segun Kayode, allegedly told Idris that orders had been issued to kill him but he was being given “one chance” to tell the truth.
Idris challenged the officer, asserting his innocence and questioning why he should be threatened if he had done nothing wrong.
Discrepancies in Mobile Phone Evidence
Idris also explained the issue of his SIM card location.
While his phone indicated Omi-Alafia, he said he and his father were at their farm in Elegbeka, a nearby area within walking distance, accounting for the apparent mismatch.
He and two other defendants were reportedly questioned together about locations on their phones during the attack, which authorities claim could link them to the scene.
Trial Adjourned
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until March 26 for continuation.
The trial continues to draw intense attention given the gravity of the 2022 Owo church massacre and the serious allegations of mistreatment in custody.
Impact and Consequences
If Idris’ testimony is corroborated, it raises serious concerns about detainee treatment by the DSS and the methods used to extract confessions. Such allegations could influence public perception of law enforcement credibility and affect the judicial process, potentially triggering calls for stricter oversight and human rights safeguards.
Moreover, the claims cast a shadow over the investigation into the Owo massacre, one of Nigeria’s deadliest attacks on a place of worship, which has already sparked nationwide outrage and debates over security and accountability.
What’s Next?
The trial will resume on March 26, when further testimonies and evidence will be heard.
Observers will be closely watching for corroborating accounts from other suspects or witnesses, as well as the DSS response to these allegations.
Human rights organizations may also monitor the proceedings to ensure fair treatment of all defendants.
Summary
Al-Qasim Idris, a suspect in the Owo church attack trial, told the Abuja Federal High Court that DSS officers threatened him with death and crocodiles to coerce a confession.
He described abuse, underground detention, and forced statements while maintaining his innocence.
The trial continues on March 26, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of both the investigation and detainee treatment.
Bulleted Takeaways
- Suspect Al-Qasim Idris alleges DSS officers threatened to feed his body to crocodiles if he did not confess
- Idris reported maltreatment and hospitalisation during DSS custody
- He claimed to be coerced into pre-written statements with instructed responses
- Personal information and phone contacts were extensively probed by officers
- Another officer allegedly told him he had one chance to confess before being killed
- Discrepancies in mobile phone location were explained by Idris’ farm presence
- Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to March 26 for continuation
- Allegations raise human rights concerns and could impact public trust in law enforcement and the judicial process
