KEY POINTS

• The murder trial of Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu and a security guard was adjourned due to the absence of the suspects in court.

• Prison officials reportedly claimed they were unaware of the hearing date, despite the prosecution presenting witnesses.

• The court has rescheduled the trial for February 10 and directed witnesses to return.

Proceedings in the murder trial of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise Television, and Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, were stalled on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court after prison officials failed to produce the accused persons in court.

The eleven suspects standing trial over the killing were absent when the case was called, leading to an immediate halt in proceedings. The defendants are facing a nine-count charge bordering on armed robbery and culpable homicide but have all pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

During the court session, the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court that officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service claimed they were unaware that the matter was scheduled for hearing on Monday.

According to him, this explanation was given despite the serious nature of the charges and the expectations surrounding the trial.

Musa expressed frustration over the development, noting that the prosecution had made extensive preparations for the hearing. He told the court that four witnesses were present and ready to testify, having taken time off their official duties to attend the proceedings.

He added that the failure to produce the suspects wasted the time and efforts of both the prosecution and the witnesses, who had gone out of their way to ensure their availability.

Court adjourns case, urges witnesses to return

Presiding over the matter, Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the case to February 10. The judge urged the witnesses to return to court on the new date, expressing hope that the necessary arrangements would be made to ensure the suspects are produced for trial.

The court’s decision was aimed at preventing further delays in a case that has continued to attract public attention due to the profile of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The charges stem from a deadly robbery incident that occurred on September 29 at Unique Apartments, a 16-flat, four-storey residential building located in the Katampe area of Abuja.

During the attack, about 15 armed men reportedly invaded the apartment complex. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died after she allegedly jumped from the building in an attempt to escape the attackers. Barnabas Danlami, who was on duty as a security guard at the facility, was shot dead by the assailants.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and renewed conversations around security lapses and violent crime in the Federal Capital Territory.