The trial of 11 persons, accused of killing ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, could not proceed on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to the absence of suspects.
The prosecution of the defendants got stalled due to the failure of the authorities of Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja to convey them to the court.
At the resumed trial, prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court about the defendants’ absence, though their lawyers were present.
Musa expressed frustration, noting that prison officials claimed they were unaware of the February 9 trial date, despite four witnesses being ready to testify in the case
The defendants were arraigned on January 21, with trial dates fixed for February 9, 10, and 12.
To salvage the proceedings, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned to Tuesday, January 10, urging witnesses to remain available in the interest of justice.
The judge further ordered that hearing notice be issued to the Kuje Correctional Services to ensure they produce the defendants in court.
The case stemmed from a violent robbery on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and Danlami, a security guard lost their lives.
The 11 accused face nine-count charge, including 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.
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