The trial of eleven suspects accused of killing ARISE News correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami was stalled again on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja.
Proceedings were adjourned after the lead prosecutor, Adama Musa, failed to appear, having been engaged in another criminal matter at a sister court in Apo.
Presiding judge Justice Mohammed Idris expressed frustration over the repeated delays and urged all parties to ensure the trial proceeds without further interruptions.
This marks the second postponement within three days. On Monday, the trial was halted after officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service failed to produce the defendants, citing unawareness of the trial schedule.
Justice Idris has now fixed April 21, 22, and 23, 2026 for the continuation of the trial, stressing the need for speedy prosecution. He expressed optimism that the prosecution would conclude its case within the scheduled dates and that judgment could be delivered before the end of the year.
All eleven defendants, including Shamsu Hassan and ten others, have pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge, including conspiracy, robbery, and murder.
The charges stem from a violent robbery on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and Danlami were reportedly killed.
