The trial of eleven persons accused of killing ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, was stalled yesterday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory due to the absence of the defendants in court.

The proceedings were halted after the authorities of the Kuje Correctional Centre failed to convey the defendants to the court. At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court of the defendants’ absence, although their lawyers were present. He expressed frustration, stating that prison officials claimed they were unaware of the trial date despite four prosecution witnesses being ready to testify.

The defendants were earlier arraigned on January 21, 2026, with trial dates scheduled for February 9, 10 and 12. In response to the development, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the matter to tomorrow and urged witnesses to remain available in the interest of justice. He also ordered that a hearing notice be issued to the Kuje Correctional Services to ensure the defendants are produced in court.

The case relates to a violent robbery that occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu, another victim identified as Danlami, and a security guard were killed.

The eleven accused — 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 — are facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.

Counsel for both the prosecution and the defence declined to speak with journalists after the proceedings.