Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday arraigned a 45-year-old man identified only as “Mallam A.” before a Federal High Court in Lokoja, accusing him of orchestrating the August 2012 terrorist attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, Kogi State, that left 19 worshippers dead and dozens wounded.
The suspect, arrested last month in a joint operation with the military in neighbouring Niger State, allegedly belonged to a Boko Haram splinter cell that planned and executed the assault using automatic weapons and improvised explosives during an evening service.
DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya told journalists after the brief court session: “This individual is believed to be the mastermind who conducted reconnaissance, procured arms and coordinated the attackers. His arrest closes a 13-year chapter of pain for the victims’ families and demonstrates that no terrorist can hide forever from justice.”
The suspect, who appeared in court wearing a bullet-proof vest and flanked by heavily armed operatives, pleaded not guilty to five counts of terrorism, murder and unlawful possession of firearms. Justice Josiah Majebi remanded him in DSS custody and adjourned the trial to 12 January 2026.
Relatives of the victims welcomed the development. Mrs Grace Elijah, whose husband was killed in the attack, said: “We have waited 13 years for this day. Even if he spends the rest of his life in prison, nothing will bring back our loved ones, but at least justice is moving.”
The 2012 massacre, one of the deadliest church attacks in central Nigeria, triggered nationwide outrage and prompted then-President Goodluck Jonathan to sack his National Security Adviser. Rights groups have long criticised the slow pace of prosecution in similar cases, with many suspects still at large across the north-central region plagued by jihadist and bandit violence.
