Deeper Life Church Attack Victims Express Renewed Hope as DSS Re-arrests Suspected Mastermind

Families of victims and survivors of the 2012 Deeper Life Bible Church attack in Otite, near Okene in Kogi State, have expressed renewed confidence in Nigeria’s justice system following the re-arrest and prosecution of the suspected mastermind of the attack.

More than 13 years after gunmen stormed the church during a Bible study session, killing over 19 worshippers and injuring dozens, the recent actions of the Department of State Services have revived hopes that justice may finally be served. The renewed optimism follows the re-arrest and arraignment of Abdulmalik Abdulazeez Obadaki, who is accused of coordinating the deadly attack of 7 August 2012.

According to survivors and community leaders, the speed with which the DSS tracked down, re-arrested, and arraigned Obadaki has helped to restore public trust, particularly among families who had feared the case had collapsed permanently.

On the day of the attack, three gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles opened fire on worshippers at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite. Fifteen people were killed instantly, while four others later died from their injuries. Investigations later linked the attack to the Ansaru terrorist group.

Authorities allege that following the church attack, Obadaki went on to lead several violent operations, including coordinated bank robberies in Uromi, Edo State, during which multiple people were killed and large sums of money stolen.

He was eventually arrested and detained at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja but escaped during the July 2022 jailbreak, triggering fears among victims’ families that the long-delayed trial would never be concluded.

Those fears eased on 15 November 2025 when the DSS announced that Obadaki had been recaptured. He was arraigned six days later before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, conspiracy, aiding terrorist attacks, concealment of information, and escape from lawful custody.

During the proceedings, Obadaki pleaded guilty only to the charge related to his escape from custody. The court adjourned the case to 26 January 2026 and ordered that he remain in DSS custody pending further hearing.

Residents of Otite say the renewed prosecution marks a turning point after years of frustration and uncertainty. A community leader noted that the prolonged delays and the suspect’s earlier escape had created deep doubts about whether justice would ever be achieved.

He added that the recent actions by the DSS signal a renewed commitment to accountability, giving the community hope that the courts will now be allowed to conclude the case without further setbacks.

Victims and survivors say that while the emotional and physical scars of the attack remain, the progress in the case has brought a sense of relief and cautious optimism that those responsible will finally be held accountable through the judicial process.