The Department of State Services has arraigned Abdulazeez Obadaki, alleged mastermind of the 2022 Kuje correctional centre attack and the 2012 assault on the Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State.
Nineteen worshippers, including a pastor, were killed in the 2012 incident after three gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles entered the church during an evening service and opened fire on the congregation.
Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday on a six-count charge that includes terrorism, conspiracy, aiding attacks, concealment of information, and escape from lawful custody.
The DSS said the defendant, believed to be a member of the Ansaru terrorist group, took part in several violent operations, including coordinated raids on commercial banks in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA of Edo State, where many people were killed and large sums of money were stolen.
He was arrested and remanded at the Kuje correctional centre before escaping during the July 2022 jailbreak in which more than 500 inmates reportedly fled.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/629/2025, the prosecution alleged that Obadaki joined the group through one Abu Muhsab and failed to provide information that could have led to his arrest.
He was also accused of supporting the group by encouraging further attacks, including the 2022 bank raids.
The DSS further alleged that he conspired with Muhsab and others still at large to attack the Kuje prison, an operation that helped him escape.
When the charges were read, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to count six, which concerns escaping from lawful custody.
The judge adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, to review the facts related to the guilty plea and continue the trial on the remaining counts. She ordered that he remain in DSS custody.
In a separate case on Thursday, the DSS arraigned Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user accused of using his X account to call for a coup in Nigeria. He was charged with making false statements intended to cause public alarm and cyberstalking.
Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty. The court fixed January 26, 2026, for hearing and ordered his remand in DSS custody.
