A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to John Jude Agbo, a man accused of planning multiple attacks on several schools in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. The ruling keeps the defendant, who is facing terrorism and cybercrime charges, in custody as his trial continues, in a case that has drawn attention because of the alleged targeting of students and teachers.
The bail application was refused by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the decision after the prosecution had presented its fourth witness and formally closed its case against the defendant. In her ruling, the judge held that there was no evidence before the court to convince her that Agbo would not abscond, or jump bail, if he were to be released.
On that basis, the court ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The decision means that Agbo will stay in detention while the trial moves into its next phase, rather than following the remaining proceedings from outside custody.
According to the charges, Agbo is accused of planning attacks that would have targeted schools, their students and teachers within the FCT. The allegations, which combine terrorism and cybercrime counts, place the case among the more serious matters currently before the court, given the nature of the intended targets.
During the proceedings, the prosecution's witness tendered an audio-visual recording of an interview session with Agbo. The recording was admitted in evidence and played in open court, forming part of the material the prosecution relied on before bringing its case to a close.
The defendant was arrested by the Department of State Services, the agency that had detained him in connection with the alleged plot. His prosecution has proceeded through a series of witnesses, and the closing of the prosecution's case marks a turning point in the trial.
The judge adjourned the matter until 24 September, when the defendant is expected to open his defence. That stage will give Agbo the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his own case, as the court works towards a conclusion in a trial being closely watched because of its focus on the safety of schools.