The Department of State Services on Thursday arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, suspected mastermind of the 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Obadaki faces six charges, including membership in a terrorist group, conspiracy, aiding acts of terrorism, concealment of information on terrorist activities, and escape from lawful custody.
He pleaded guilty only to the sixth count, which concerns his escape from custody, while denying the remaining five charges.
Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, for the court to examine the facts relating to his guilty plea and to hear the remaining counts.
The court ordered that Obadaki remain in DSS custody until the next hearing.
Following the 2012 church attack, Obadaki reportedly led a gang responsible for raiding five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, resulting in multiple deaths and the theft of large sums of money.
He was initially detained at Kuje Prison but escaped during a jailbreak in July 2022. Security sources say Obadaki later admitted orchestrating the jailbreak after being transferred from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
In a related development, the DSS also arraigned Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user accused of calling for a coup in Nigeria through his “X” handle. Chukwuemeka faces six charges, including false publication to cause public alarm and cyberstalking. He pleaded not guilty, and his case was also adjourned to January 26, 2026, with the court ordering his remand in DSS custody.
A DSS official said, “We are committed to ensuring that individuals involved in terrorist activities or attempts to destabilize the country are brought to justice. The arraignments today reflect our dedication to national security.”
