JUST IN: DSS Arraigns Obadaki, Mastermind of 2012 Deeper Life Church M4ssacre in Okene
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged mastermind of the deadly 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Eika-Adagu, Okehi LGA near Okene, Kogi State, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspect, who is also accused of leading a gang that later carried out a violent raid on five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State killing several people and carting away large sums of money faces six terrorism-related charges.
The counts include membership of a terrorist group, conspiracy, rendering assistance to acts of terrorism, concealment of information on activities of a terrorist group, and escape from lawful custody.
Obadaki pleaded guilty to the sixth count of escaping from lawful custody but not guilty to the remaining five counts.
The arraignment follows Tuesday’s 20-year imprisonment of Hussaini Ismaila, a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), for terrorism offenses.
Security sources revealed that Obadaki, initially detained at Kuje Prison, escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre. The suspect reportedly confessed to orchestrating the jailbreak after his transfer from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, for review of the facts on the admitted count and arguments on the denied charges. The court ordered Obadaki to remain in DSS custody pending the next hearing.