The murder trial of eleven suspects linked to the killing of ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, was stalled on Monday after the Nigerian Correctional Services failed to produce the defendants in court.

At the resumed hearing before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court that the defendants were absent, although their legal representatives were in attendance.

Musa expressed frustration over the development, stating that officials of the Correctional Services claimed they were unaware of the January 9 trial date, despite the prosecution having four witnesses present and ready to testify.

The defendants were arraigned on January 21, 2026, and the court had fixed February 9, 10, and 12 for trial.

In a bid to salvage the proceedings, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned the matter to Tuesday, February 10, urging the witnesses to remain available in the interest of justice.

The judge also ordered that a formal hearing notice be issued to the Nigerian Correctional Services to ensure the defendants are produced in court at the next sitting.

The case arises from a violent robbery on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and Danlami were killed.

The eleven defendants are facing nine counts bordering on 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 defence declined to comment to journalists after the court proceedings. (Arise News)

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