Federal High Court Begins Trial Over Alleged School Attack Plot
A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced the trial of an individual apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly plotting attacks on schools in the capital. This significant legal proceeding highlights growing concerns over threats to educational institutions in Nigeria.
DSS Testimony Details Threats to Schools
During the hearing, DSS official Michael Jego testified as the first prosecution witness, revealing that the agency had received credible information regarding planned attacks aimed at specific schools, along with the intent to destroy property. The intelligence prompted immediate action from the DSS to safeguard the affected institutions.
Charges Filed Under Terrorism and Cybercrime Legislation
The defendant, John Jude Agbo, faces serious charges stemming from an indictment on March 17. He is charged under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, with two counts marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/06/2026. The case has garnered attention due to its implications for national security and the safety of educational environments.
Evidence of Planning and Targeting Specific Schools
A summary presented to the court indicated that Agbo allegedly used several GSM numbers to send SMS messages targeting schools within Abuja. Among the institutions named were Premier International School, Regent Secondary School, and Auckland International British School, which the DSS identified as potential targets of the planned attacks.
Details on the Attack Plan
The testimony further revealed troubling details regarding Agbo’s intentions. It was reported that he had devised a plan to attack these schools and harm both students and teachers, with suggestions that he could execute this within minutes. Such alarming claims underscore the seriousness of the threat posed by the defendant.
Investigation and Arrest of the Suspect
Following a petition from Auckland International School received on November 28, 2024, Jego’s team utilized forensic techniques in their investigation, eventually leading to Agbo’s arrest in Otukpo, Benue State. During the apprehension, incriminating evidence was reportedly recovered from him, raising further concerns about the depths of his planning.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Jego elaborated on how Agbo was subsequently transferred to Abuja for further questioning, where he provided a voluntary statement in the presence of lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN). The prosecution introduced various exhibits, including a compact disc with audio and video recordings of Agbo’s interrogation and his extrajudicial statements, all of which the court accepted without objection from the defense.
As the cross-examination unfolded, defense lawyer Hamza Dantani inquired about the intelligence that led to Agbo’s arrest. Jego confirmed that the findings indicated Agbo’s involvement in the planned attacks and possession of related evidence. Following the conclusion of cross-examination, prosecution attorney Dr. Callistas Eze requested an adjournment to present additional witnesses and evidence, a motion that received no objection from the defense. Judge Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the trial until May 12, 2023, for its continuation.
