DSS Details Capture of Man Accused of Threatening Abuja Schools

A Federal High Court in Abuja heard testimony on Friday regarding the arrest of John Jude Agbo, a suspect accused of sending violent threats to elite educational institutions.

DSS operative Michael Jego explained how his agency tracked Agbo following reports of messages threatening the lives of students and staff.

Jego testified that the DSS launched an investigation after receiving formal complaints in 2024 from three institutions: Premier International School, The Regent Secondary School, and Oakland International British School. The schools reported receiving text messages promising to destroy facilities and harm individuals within seconds.

Using technical tracking, investigators located Agbo in Otukpo, Benue State. Upon his arrest, officials seized a Techno android phone allegedly used to transmit the threatening SMS messages.

Agbo faces trial under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act of 2024. During his court appearance, the prosecution presented several items as evidence, including the seized phone, the school petitions, and a video recording of the suspect’s interview conducted with legal counsel present.

While Agbo admitted to being involved in drafting the messages, he denied owning the specific device confiscated during his arrest. Defense attorney Hamza Dantani did not oppose the admission of the evidence. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has adjourned the trial until May 12 to allow the prosecution to present further witnesses.