Court Hears Details of Arrest in School Threat Case
A Federal High Court in Abuja convened on Friday to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest of an individual accused of sending threatening messages to several prestigious schools in the Federal Capital Territory. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding safety in educational institutions.
DSS Operative Testifies on Disturbing Threats
Michael Jego, a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, was the first prosecution witness to testify during the trial of John Jude Agbo. Jego detailed how the DSS began investigating after receiving petitions in 2024 from three different schools reporting alarming text messages. These messages reportedly included threats to kill students and teachers, along with intentions to destroy property.
Evidentiary Findings During the Investigation
During his testimony, Jego stated that a Techno Android mobile phone, identified as allegedly belonging to Agbo, was seized as part of the investigation. This mobile device was integral in linking Agbo to the threatening messages, which were sent from several phone numbers, as noted in the court documents.
Charges Filed Under Terrorism and Cybercrime Laws
Agbo faces serious allegations, having been indicted on March 17 under two counts marked FHC/ABJ/CR/06/2026. The charges levied by the DSS fall under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the amended Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2024.
Threats Directed at Prominent Schools
The DSS outlined in its case summary that Agbo used multiple GSM numbers to send threatening SMS to some well-known educational institutions, including Premier International School, Regent Secondary School, and Auckland International British School. Allegations specify that Agbo threatened to attack these schools, aiming to instill fear among both students and faculty.
Investigation Progresses with Forensic Analysis
On November 28, 2024, the DSS undertook an investigation based on a petition from Auckland International School. Jego explained that forensic methods were employed during the investigation, ultimately leading to Agbo’s arrest in Otukpo, Benue State, where additional evidence, including a mobile phone and SIM card, was recovered.
Legal Proceedings Continue with New Developments
Following his apprehension, Agbo was taken to Abuja for interrogation, where he provided a voluntary statement in the presence of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN) representatives. The prosecution introduced various critical documents and evidence, including the recovered mobile phone and a CD containing video of Agbo’s interview. The court accepted all exhibits without objection from defense attorney Hamza Dantani.
Defense and Future Court Dates
While Agbo admitted to knowing about Techno Android mobile phones, he denied ownership of the device used in sending the threats. During cross-examination, Jego clarified that while the petition did not explicitly name any suspects, the phone numbers and content of the messages were provided by the complainants. At the trial’s conclusion, the prosecution’s request for adjournment to present further evidence was unopposed by the defense, leading Judge Joyce Abdulmalik to reschedule the proceedings for May 12.
