Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) has intensified its counter-terrorism operations, securing significant legal victories while bringing new suspects to justice. The developments come just days after the agency successfully obtained a 20-year prison sentence for a prominent terrorist leader.
Major Court Proceedings Against Terror Suspects
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the DSS presented two separate cases before Federal High Court in Abuja, marking another step in Nigeria's ongoing battle against security threats. The first case involved Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, identified as the suspected mastermind behind the devastating 2012 attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State.
Obadaki faced six serious charges including membership in a terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, providing assistance to terrorist activities, concealing information about terrorist operations, and notably, escaping from lawful custody. While the defendant pleaded not guilty to five terrorism-related counts, he admitted guilt to the sixth charge of escape from custody.
Background of the Deeper Life Church Attack Mastermind
The suspect's criminal history reveals a pattern of violent activities. Following the Okene church attack, security sources indicate that Obadaki allegedly led an armed gang that targeted five commercial banks in Uromi, Edo State. During this brazen operation, several persons were killed and substantial amounts of cash were stolen.
Although security forces eventually tracked down and arrested Obadaki, his detention was short-lived. He managed to escape during the July 2022 jailbreak at Kuje Custodial Centre, an incident that raised serious concerns about Nigeria's correctional facility security. Intelligence reports suggest the suspected terrorist leader confessed to orchestrating the Kuje prison break after being transferred from Kabba Custodial Centre in June 2022.
Social Media User Charged for Coup Advocacy
In a separate but equally significant case, the DSS arraigned Innocent Chukwuemeka, a social media user accused of using his X (formerly Twitter) platform to advocate for a military coup in Nigeria. Chukwuemeka faces a six-count charge that includes false publication intended to cause public alarm and cyberstalking.
Unlike Obadaki, Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. The court has scheduled his hearing for the same date as Obadaki's case, creating a busy docket for terrorism-related proceedings in early 2026.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Presiding Judge Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik has adjourned both cases to January 26, 2026. The extended timeline will allow the court to thoroughly review facts related to the count Obadaki pleaded guilty to, while also preparing to hear evidence for the charges he denied.
The court has ordered that both suspects be remanded in DSS custody until the next court date, ensuring they remain in secure detention following Obadaki's previous escape from prison facilities.
These legal actions demonstrate the DSS's continued vigilance against security threats, coming just two days after the agency secured the conviction and 20-year imprisonment of Hussaini Ismaila, a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The consecutive legal victories signal strengthened efforts to combat terrorism through Nigeria's judicial system.
