The Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged mastermind behind the 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State, on Thursday in Abuja.
This comes just two days after the sentencing of Hussaini Ismaila, a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who received 20 years for terrorism.
Obadaki faces six charges at the Federal High Court, including membership of a terrorist group, conspiracy, aiding terrorism, concealing information about terrorist activities, and escape from lawful custody.
He pleaded guilty only to escaping lawful custody, while denying the other five charges.
Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, to review the facts related to the guilty plea and hear the not guilty counts. Obadaki remains in DSS custody until then.
Following the Okene attack, Obadaki reportedly led a gang that raided five banks in Uromi, Edo State, resulting in multiple deaths and large cash thefts. He was arrested, imprisoned in Kuje, but escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak.
Security sources say Obadaki confessed to organising the jailbreak after being transferred from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
Also arraigned Thursday was Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user charged with false publication and cyber stalking for calling for a coup on his “X” platform. He pleaded not guilty and will also appear in court on January 26, 2026, remaining in DSS custody.
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