2012 Kogi Church Attack: DSS Finally Arraigns Terrorist Who Killed Worshippers

Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged mastermind of the 2012 gun attack on a Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, near Okene, Kogi State, has been charged by the Department of State Security (DSS).

That event, which occurred early on August 7, 2012, claimed the lives of over 19 worshippers.

During a Bible study at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, Kogi state, three individuals with AK-47 assault rifles opened fire.

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Fifteen worshippers were dead by the end of the assault. Four more people later passed away as a result of wounds they received during the assault.

The incident, which is thought to have been carried out by the terrorist group Ansaru, injured several dozen more people.

Following the attack on the Okene church, Obadaki is said to have led a gang that invaded five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, killing multiple people and stealing large amounts of money.

However, he was apprehended and detained by security personnel and placed under detention at the Kuje Prison. Shortly after, he managed to flee during the July 2022 jailbreak at the Kuje Custodial Centre.

The DSS declared on November 15, 2025, that it had apprehended the escaped Ansaru leader.

Six days later, Obadaki was charged with six counts of terrorism, conspiracy, supporting attacks, concealing of information, and escape from lawful custody by the secret police before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the federal high court in Abuja.

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Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, but added that the defendant should remain in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing.