DSS arraigns suspected Kogi church massacre terrorist
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the suspected Ansaru terrorist commander accused of killing more than 19 worshippers during a deadly church attack in Otite, near Okene in Kogi State, more than a decade ago. The arraignment took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Obadaki was charged on multiple counts including terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terror attacks, concealment of information and escaping lawful custody after his recent recapture following a 2022 prison jailbreak. The gun attack occurred on August 7, 2012, when gunmen stormed a Deeper Life Bible Church Bible study session with assault rifles, killing 15 worshippers outright and leaving four others to die later from their injuries. The massacre has long remained a painful memory for families and survivors, and the renewed legal action by the DSS has drawn praise from victims’ relatives who welcomed the swift prosecution of the alleged mastermind, expressing hope that justice will finally be served as the trial progresses. Obadaki pleaded guilty only to the charge relating to his escape from custody while denying the other terrorism-related allegations, and the court adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, ordering him to remain in DSS custody pending the next hearing.
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