Trial Opens for Alleged School Attack Planner
A Federal High Court in Abuja began proceedings on Friday for a man arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on suspicion of planning attacks against several schools within the capital.
DSS Testimony Highlights Threats
DSS official Michael Jego testified that the agency had received multiple text messages from three different schools in Abuja in 2024. These messages were part of petitions that referred to plans aimed at attacking and damaging the properties of the identified schools.
Evidence Presented at Trial
Jego, serving as the first prosecution witness (PW1), reported that a techno-Android mobile phone believed to be used by the suspect to send threatening messages had been recovered. The accused, John Jude Agbo, faces charges filed on March 17, under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act of 2024.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
The DSS stated in its case summary that Agbo is on trial for allegedly utilizing phone numbers—including 08124412783, 08069781274, 08105715028, and 09139681108—to send threatening messages to several schools in Abuja. The institutions named included Premier International School, Regent Secondary School, and Auckland International British School.
Specific Threats Alleged in Text Messages
According to allegations, Agbo made grave threats in his messages, including intentions to attack the schools and harm both students and teachers. These communications were reportedly dispatched in brief intervals, taking less than a minute to send.
Investigation and Arrest Details
Mr. Jego noted that his team was directed to investigate a petition from Auckland International School received on November 28, 2024, based on evidence presented by prosecution attorney Dr. Callistas Eze. Utilizing forensic methods, the team arrested Agbo in Otukpo, Benue State, recovering a mobile phone and SIM card in the process.
Prosecution Presents Evidence
During the trial, the prosecution introduced the recovered techno Android mobile phone, along with a petition from the school, a compact disc containing an audiovisual recording of Agbo’s interview, and a copy of his extrajudicial statement. The court admitted all documents and exhibits after defense attorney Hamza Dantani raised no objections.
Cross-Examination Uncovers Details
During cross-examination by Dantani, Jego explained that the DSS receives complaints from schools through petitions. He clarified that the petition did not identify Agbo by name, though it included the phone numbers used in the threatening messages. Jego added that Agbo was apprehended after being found with the recovered mobile phone and confessing to involvement in the messaging.
Proceedings Adjourned for Further Witnesses
Upon the conclusion of the cross-examination, Eze requested an adjournment to allow the prosecution time to present additional witnesses and evidence. Dantani did not oppose this request. Consequently, Judge Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until May 12 for the continuation of the trial.
