The Department of State Security (DSS) has arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged architect of the 2012 gun assault on a Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, close to Okene, in Kogi State.
More than 19 worshippers were killed in the incident, which occurred on the morning of 7 August 2012. Three men wielding AK-47 assault rifles stormed a Bible study meeting of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite.
By the end of the attack, fifteen worshippers were lying dead. Four others subsequently died from injuries sustained during the assault.
Several dozens more were wounded during the attack believed to be the work of Ansaru terrorist group.
Following the Okene church attack, Obadaki allegedly headed a gang that attacked five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, killed several people, and made away with large sums of cash.
He was, however, tracked and arrested by security operatives and remanded at the Kuje Prison but escaped briefly during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
On November 15, 2025, the DSS announced that it had rearrested the fugitive Ansaru leader.
Six days later, the secret police arraigned Obadaki before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the federal high court, Abuja, on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding attacks, concealment of information, and escape from lawful custody.
When the charges were read, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to count six, which relates to escaping from lawful custody.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, but ordered that the defendant should remain in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing.
