The trial of 11 persons accused of killing ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, was on Monday stalled at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to the absence of the defendants.
The proceedings could not continue following the failure of authorities of the Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja, to produce the suspects in court.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court that although defence lawyers were present, the defendants were not conveyed to court.
He expressed frustration over the development, stating that prison officials claimed they were unaware of the February 9 trial date, despite four prosecution witnesses being fully prepared to testify.
The defendants were arraigned on January 21, and hearing dates had been fixed for February 9, 10 and 12.
In a bid to salvage the proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned the matter to Tuesday, February 10, urging the 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 on the next adjourned date.
The case arose from a violent robbery attack on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and a security guard, Danlami, were killed.
The 11 defendants are facing 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 (alias “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani and Abubakar Usman.
