The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja, just two days after securing a 20-year jail sentence for ISWAP leader Hussaini Ismaila.
One of the defendants, Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, is accused of masterminding the 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State. He faces a six-count charge, which includes membership of a terrorist organization, conspiracy, assisting in terrorism, concealing information about terrorist activities, and escaping lawful custody.
Obadaki pleaded guilty to one count — escape from custody — but not guilty to the other five.
Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik adjourned the case until January 26, 2026, saying the court will “review the facts of the admitted charge and proceed to trial on the others.”
He was remanded in the custody of the DSS.
According to security sources, Obadaki later led a gang that carried out armed robberies at five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State, resulting in multiple deaths and significant financial losses.
He was previously held at Kuje Prison, but escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre.
Further reports suggest he confessed to coordinating that prison break after being transferred from Kabba Custodial Centre in mid-2022.
In a separate case, the DSS also arraigned Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user who allegedly used his “X” account to canvass for a military coup in Nigeria.
He was charged with six counts, including false publication likely to cause public alarm and cyber-stalking.
Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty, and his hearing has also been set for January 26, 2026.
He, too, was remanded in DSS custody.
These doble arraignments come amid a broader crackdown by the DSS on national security threats.
