A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to a man accused of planning terrorist attacks on schools in Nigeria’s capital, marking a significant development in a case that has heightened concerns over the safety of educational institutions in Africa’s most populous nation.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the defendant, John Jude Agbo, should remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service after concluding that there was insufficient evidence to guarantee that he would not flee if released on bail.
Agbo is standing trial on terrorism and cybercrime charges brought against him by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). Prosecutors allege that he planned multiple attacks targeting schools in the Federal Capital Territory, with students, teachers and educational facilities identified as potential targets.
During the latest hearing, the prosecution presented its fourth and final witness, a DSS operative, who detailed the agency’s investigation into Agbo and his alleged collaborators. The witness explained how security operatives gathered intelligence and carried out investigations before the suspect was arrested.
As part of the evidence, the prosecution tendered an audio-visual recording of Agbo’s interview with investigators. The court admitted the recording into evidence and played it in open court before the prosecution formally closed its case.
In delivering her ruling on the bail application, Justice Abdulmalik held that the defence had failed to convince the court that the defendant would remain available to face trial if granted bail. She therefore ordered that Agbo remain in custody pending the conclusion of the proceedings.
Following the prosecution’s decision to close its case, the court fixed September 24 for the defendant to begin presenting his defence against the allegations.
The case comes as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to strengthen security around schools following years of threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism and attacks on educational institutions. Security agencies have repeatedly stressed the importance of preventing threats against schools and ensuring that students and teachers can learn and work in a safe environment.
The outcome of the trial is expected to be closely watched as Nigeria intensifies its campaign against terrorism while seeking to improve the protection of schools and other critical public institutions.
