The trial of eleven suspects accused of killing ARISE News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu was stalled on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after authorities from Kuje Prison, Abuja failed to bring the defendants to court.
At the resumed trial, prosecution counsel Adama Musa informed the court that the defendants were absent, though their lawyers were present. Musa expressed frustration, noting that prison officials claimed they were unaware of the January 9 trial date, despite four witnesses being ready to testify.
The defendants were arraigned on January 21, with trial dates originally set for February 9, 10, and 12.
To ensure proceedings continue, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the trial to Tuesday, January 10, urging witnesses to remain available and ordering that a hearing notice be issued to Kuje Correctional Services to guarantee the defendants’ presence in court.
The case relates to a violent robbery on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and a security guard, Danlami, were killed.
The eleven accused face nine charges, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. They are: Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (alias “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
Counsel for both the prosecution and the defendants declined to comment to the media following Monday’s proceedings.
Elijah Adeyemi
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