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The Department of State Security (DSS) has arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulmalik Obadaki, the suspected mastermind of the 2012 terror attack on the Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, near Okene, Kogi State.
No fewer than 19 worshippers were killed in the attack, which occurred on the morning of August 7, 2012. According to reports, three men armed with AK-47 assault rifles opened fire during a Bible study session at the church.
Fifteen worshippers died at the scene, while four others later succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Dozens of other worshippers were injured in the incident, which was believed to have been carried out by the Ansaru terrorist group. Following the Okene church attack, Obadaki allegedly led a gang that raided five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, killing several people and carting away large sums of money.
Obadaki was later tracked and arrested by security operatives and remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre. However, he escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak at the facility. On November 15, 2025, the DSS announced that it had recaptured the fugitive Ansaru leader.
Six days later, the DSS arraigned Obadaki before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorist attacks, concealment of information, and escape from lawful custody.
When the charges were read to him, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to count six, which relates to his escape from lawful custody.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, and ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing.
