Trial of Alleged Killers of Arise News Anchor Delayed Again in Abuja

The trial of the alleged killers of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, in Abuja has stalled for the second time in a week due to the absence of the defense team. The trial was scheduled to proceed on Monday, February 9, but failed to hold.

The defense team's absence led the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, to engage in another criminal case. The trial has been adjourned until April 21, 22, and 23, with hopes that the prosecution will close its case and judgment will be delivered by the end of the year.

Eleven defendants, including Shamsu Hassan, have pleaded not guilty to nine counts of conspiracy, robbery, and murder charges stemming from a violent robbery incident on September 29, 2025, where Maduagwu and Danlami were killed. The prosecution opened its case by calling two witnesses who detailed the armed robbery incident that led to Somtochukwu's death.