The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, a notorious leader of Ansaru terrorist group, before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Obadaki is the suspected mastermind behind the August 7, attack on the Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, Kogi State, which resulted in the deaths of 19 worshippers.
Obadaki, who had previously escaped during the July 2022 Kuje prison break, was recaptured by the DSS on November 15, 2025.
The 2012 Otite massacre remains one of the darkest days in Kogi State’s history, where three gunmen armed with AK-47s opened fire on a Monday evening Bible study session, killing 15 on the spot.
Obadaki is also linked to the 2022 Uromi bank robberies in Edo State, where multiple banks were attacked simultaneously, which resulted in the death of many.
When the six-count charge was read, Obadaki pleaded guilty to Count 6, which concerns his escape from the Kuje Custodial Centre in 2022. He pleaded not guilty to the terrorism and murder charges.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the defendant be held in the custody of the DSS, to prevent another escape attempt. The case has been adjourned to January 26, 2026, for a full trial.
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