Court Rules on Bail Application of Abuja School Terror Plot Suspect

The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to John Jude Agbo, a man arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged plot to carry out multiple attacks on schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik refused the bail application after the prosecution presented its fourth witness and formally closed its case against the defendant.

Agbo is standing trial on terrorism and cybercrime charges over allegations that he planned attacks targeting schools, as well as their students and teachers.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the defence failed to provide sufficient assurance that the defendant would not abscond if granted bail.

The court subsequently ordered that Agbo remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of his trial.

During the proceedings, a DSS officer testified on the agency’s investigation into Agbo and his alleged collaborators.

The witness also tendered an audio-visual recording of Agbo’s interview with DSS operatives. The recording was admitted as evidence and played in open court before the prosecution formally closed its case.

The matter was adjourned until September 24, when Agbo is expected to begin presenting his defence.