Proceedings in the trial of the alleged killers of ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, were stalled on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after officials of the Kuje Correctional Service failed to produce the defendants in court. When the case was called, prosecuting counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court that the defendants were absent and could not be presented for trial.
Musa expressed displeasure over the situation, noting that correctional service officials claimed they were unaware of the February 9 trial date, despite the fact that four prosecution witnesses were present and ready to testify. The court had earlier fixed February 9, 10 and 12 for the commencement of trial following the defendants’ arraignment on January 21.In response, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned the matter to the next day and urged the witnesses to remain available in the interest of justice.
Justice Idris also directed that a hearing notice be served on the Kuje Correctional Service to ensure the defendants are produced in court for the resumed hearing. The defendants are accused of carrying out a violent robbery attack at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, on September 29, 2025, during which Maduagwu and a security guard, Danlami, were killed.
A total of 11 defendants are standing trial on a nine-count charge 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, also known as Small, Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani and Abubakar Usman.
Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/
