DSS arraigns alleged mastermind of Kuje jailbreak, Kogi church attack

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned Abdulazeez Obadaki, the alleged mastermind of the 2022 Kuje correctional centre attack and the 2012 assault on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi state.

At least 19 worshippers, including a pastor, were killed in the 2012 incident after three gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles invaded the church during an evening service and opened fire on the congregation.

Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, was brought before Joyce Abdulmalik, judge of the Abuja federal high court, on Thursday on a six-count charge bordering on 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, participated in multiple violent operations, including coordinated raids on several commercial banks in Uromi, Esan north-east LGA of Edo state, where many people were killed and large sums of money stolen.

He was later arrested and remanded at the Kuje correctional centre before escaping during the July 2022 jailbreak, in which over 500 inmates reportedly fled from the facility.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/629/2025, the prosecution alleged that Obadaki joined the terrorist group through one Abu Muhsab and failed to disclose information that could have led to his arrest.

He was also accused of rendering support to the group by encouraging terror attacks, including the 2022 bank raids.

The DSS further alleged that he conspired with Muhsab and others said to be at large to attack the Kuje prison, an operation that facilitated his own escape.

When the charges were read, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to count six, which relates to escaping from lawful custody.

The judge adjourned the case to January 26, 2026, to review the facts relating to the guilty plea and to proceed with trial on the other counts.

She ordered that the defendant remain in DSS custody pending the next hearing.

In a separate proceeding on Thursday, the DSS also arraigned Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user accused of using his X (formerly Twitter) handle to advocate for a coup in Nigeria.

He was charged with making false statements to cause public alarm and cyberstalking.

Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty, and the court similarly fixed January 26, 2026, for hearing and ordered his remand in DSS custody.