The Federal Capital Territory High Court has postponed the trial of 11 individuals accused in connection with the murder of ARISE TV journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami to February 26, 2026.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the adjournment in a statement on Wednesday.
She revealed that the suspects appeared in court on Wednesday facing a nine-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
Adeh identified the accused as Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar, Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
She said, “The FCT Police Command on January 21, 2026, arraigned 11 suspects linked to the murder of Ms Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, Esq., an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, and Barnabas Danlami, a security guard.
“The victims were killed during a robbery incident at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
“The suspects were arraigned on a nine-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The matter has been adjourned to February 26, 2026, for further proceedings.”
The police spokesperson urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
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Maduagwu’s death was first announced by ARISE News on September 29, 2025, revealing that she was killed during a violent armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and criticism of the country’s deteriorating security situation.
Following the attack, the FCT Police Command arrested 12 suspects believed to be part of the armed robbery gang, reportedly originating from Kaduna and Katsina states. Investigations also revealed that the group procured their weapons from a supplier in the Niger Republic.
Maduagwu was subsequently laid to rest at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.