The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to John Jude Agbo, a man standing trial on terrorism and cybercrime charges over an alleged plot to carry out coordinated attacks on schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling after the Department of State Services (DSS) concluded its case by calling its fourth and final witness. The court subsequently ordered that Agbo remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the conclusion of his trial.
In refusing the bail application, the judge held that the defence failed to provide sufficient assurance that the defendant would not abscond if released.
During the proceedings, a DSS operative testified that investigators uncovered an alleged conspiracy involving Agbo and others to target several schools in the FCT. According to the witness, the suspects allegedly sent threatening messages to the schools, demanding large sums of money be deposited at designated locations or face violent attacks against students, teachers and school facilities.
The prosecution also tendered an audio-visual recording of Agbo’s interview with DSS investigators. The recording was admitted into evidence and played in open court before the prosecution formally closed its case.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until September 24, when the defendant is expected to begin presenting his defence.
Agbo has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
