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The murder trial involving eleven suspects accused of killing ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, was stalled on Monday, February 9, after the Nigerian Correctional Services failed to present the defendants in court.
At the resumed hearing before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, told the court that although lawyers representing the defendants were present, the accused persons themselves were absent.
Musa expressed dissatisfaction with the development, noting that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Services claimed they were unaware of the February 9 trial date. This, he said, occurred despite the prosecution having four witnesses in court and ready to testify.
The defendants were arraigned on January 21, 2026, and the court had scheduled February 9, 10, and 12 for the continuation of the trial.
Presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, subsequently adjourned the case to Tuesday, February 10, and urged the prosecution witnesses to remain on standby in the interest of justice.
The judge also directed that a formal hearing notice be issued to the Nigerian Correctional Services to ensure the defendants are produced at the next court sitting.
The case stems from a robbery incident that occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and Danlami were k!lled.
The eleven defendants are facing nine counts bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, and murd£r. They include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (also known as “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
