Utumishi Academy fire: 9 suspects denied bail, to be detained for 21 days

While giving his directions on the prayers by the prosecutions to hold the girls for 30 days, Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan said the duration can be shortened to 21 days to allow thorough investigations.

He further denied the release of the minors on bond or bail, saying the reasons advanced by the prosecution are compelling.

The case is set for mention on June 24, 2026.

In its application, the prosecution maintained that detectives needed additional time to conclude investigations, particularly the task of locating and recording statements from crucial witnesses said to be scattered in various parts of the country.

The prosecution noted that early findings indicated that the investigation could be compromised if the suspects are freed on bail or bond.

This is after the suspects revealed their motive to the detectives, citing that they were protesting changes to the examination calendar, the school's decision to charge them for a cultural event, and alleged peer influence after a neighbouring boys' school went on strike.

They claimed that the plan to torch the dormitory was conceived at 9 p.m. and executed three hours later.

The girls were apprehended after CCTV footage captured them arriving at the dormitory 10 minutes past midnight and proceeding to set the dormitory on fire while the other students were still asleep.