Trial of suspects in murder of Arise Journalist, security guard stalled over absence

The murder trial of eleven suspects linked to the killings of ARISE News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami was stalled on Monday after the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) 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 while the defendants’ legal representatives were present, the accused themselves were absent.

Musa expressed frustration, noting that NCoS officials claimed they were unaware of the January 9 trial date, despite the prosecution having four witnesses ready to testify.

The defendants, who were arraigned on January 21, 2026, are facing nine counts including conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The court had previously fixed February 9, 10, and 12 for the trial.

In response, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the case to Tuesday, February 10, urging witnesses to remain available in the interest of justice. He also ordered that a formal hearing notice be issued to the Nigerian Correctional Services to ensure the defendants are produced at the next sitting.

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

The eleven accused 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.

Both prosecution and defence counsels declined to comment to journalists following the court proceedings.