The murder trial of eleven suspects accused of killing ARISE News Journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu and Security Guard Barnabas Danlami was delayed on Monday after the Nigerian Correctional Services failed to bring the defendants to court.

Prosecution Lawyer Adama Musa expressed frustration, noting that the defendants’ lawyers were present and four witnesses were ready to testify.

Correctional Services officials reportedly claimed they were unaware of the trial date.

The defendants were arraigned on January 21, 2026, and the trial had been scheduled for February 9, 10, and 12.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the case to Tuesday, February 10, instructing all witnesses to remain available and ordering a formal hearing notice be sent to Correctional Services to ensure the defendants attend.

The accused face nine counts, including conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder, related to a September 29, 2025 robbery at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Abuja, which resulted in the deaths of Maduagwu and Danlami.

The suspects are Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (“Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.

Investigations suggest links between some suspects, forest guards, and gunrunners from Niger Republic, highlighting the complexity of the case.