2012 Attack: DSS Arraigns Suspected Mastermind Of Okene Deeper Life Church Massacre

The Department of State Security (DSS) on Friday, December 19, arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the suspected mastermind of the deadly 2012 gun attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, near Okene, Kogi State.

Obadaki was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding violent attacks, concealment of information and escape from lawful custody.

The attack, which occurred on the morning of August 7, 2012, claimed the lives of more than 19 worshippers during a Bible study session at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Otite.

According to security reports, three gunmen armed with AK-47 assault rifles stormed the church premises and opened fire indiscriminately on worshippers.

Fifteen people were killed instantly during the attack, while four others later died from injuries sustained in the shooting. Several dozens of worshippers were also injured.

Investigations by security agencies later linked the attack to the Ansaru terrorist group, a splinter faction of Boko Haram known for its violent operations in parts of northern Nigeria.

Following the Okene church massacre, Obadaki reportedly went on to lead a criminal gang that carried out coordinated raids on five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State.

During the bank attacks, several people were allegedly killed, while huge sums of money were carted away by the gang, further heightening security concerns in the region.

Obadaki was later tracked and arrested by security operatives and subsequently remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja.

However, he escaped custody during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje prison, when scores of inmates, including high-profile terror suspects, broke out following an attack on the facility.

On November 15, 2025, the DSS announced that it had successfully recaptured the fugitive Ansaru leader after an extensive manhunt.

Six days after his recapture, the secret police arraigned him before the Federal High Court to face the terrorism-related charges.

When the charges were read in court, Obadaki pleaded not guilty to five of the six counts but admitted guilt to count six, which relates to his escape from lawful custody.

Justice Abdulmalik, after taking Obadaki’s plea, adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.

The judge also ordered that the defendant should remain in the custody of the DSS pending the determination of the case.