DSS Details Arrest of Terror Suspect Following Killing Threats Against Abuja Elite School Students

DSS witness Michael Jego tells Abuja court how operatives tracked John Agbo to Benue after he allegedly sent death threats to elite school students.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Tracing Terror Threats to Abuja Educational Institutions

The ongoing trial of John Jude Agbo took a significant turn on Friday as the Department of State Services (DSS) provided detailed evidence of how they apprehended the suspect behind a wave of panic in Abuja’s education sector. Michael Jego, a DSS operative testifying as the first prosecution witness (PW1), explained that the agency was mobilized in late 2024 following petitions from several elite schools. The schools reported receiving chilling text messages threatening the lives of students and teachers, as well as the destruction of school property.

Technological Tracking and Arrest in Benue State

Investigative teams deployed advanced tracking technology to trace the origin of the messages sent from four distinct mobile numbers. The operation led DSS operatives to Otukpo in Benue State, where Agbo was apprehended. According to Jego, a Techno android phone allegedly used to compose and transmit the threats was recovered directly from the suspect. While the defendant acknowledged familiarity with the device during court proceedings, he denied ownership, despite the prosecution's claim that he admitted to being part of the group that composed the messages.

Legal Framework and Formal Charges

Agbo is facing a two-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The DSS listed the targeted institutions as Premier International School, The Regent Secondary School, and Oakland International British School. The messages reportedly warned that an attack would take "less than a minute" to execute, a claim the prosecution argues constitutes a severe breach of national security and cybercrime laws.