The trial of 11 individuals accused of involvement in the killing of Arise News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu continued on Tuesday, with a prosecution witness detailing how the suspects were tracked and apprehended.
Testifying before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, an Assistant Superintendent of Police and member of the Scorpion Squad, CID FCT Command, Maxwell Eje, explained that the arrests began with one of the suspects, Shamsu Hassan.
He told the court that investigations revealed Hassan fled to Zaria on September 30, a day after the robbery incident at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja, where the journalist died after falling from her three-storey apartment.
According to the officer, Hassan later confessed and agreed to assist investigators. He subsequently mentioned another suspect, Sani Surajo, who was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Gosa, along Airport Road.
“Surajo was shocked at the sight of the security operatives of the Scorpion Squad at the hospital where he was receiving treatment,” Eje said.
“He, too, agreed to cooperate and assist with useful information on the whereabouts of others who took part in the robbery.”
However, the proceedings were halted before cross-examination could begin after defence counsel, Dennis Abu, requested permission from the court to attend a medical appointment. Justice Mohammed Idris granted the request, leading to an adjournment of the case until Thursday, April 23, for continuation of the witness’s testimony and cross-examination.
The prosecution had earlier indicated that two witnesses were ready to testify during Tuesday’s session.
The case stems from a September 29, 2025, robbery at Unique Apartments, during which Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, lost their lives. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has charged the 11 defendants with conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
The trial, which commenced on February 10, 2026, had earlier faced delays due to the absence of some defendants and other procedural issues.
Previous witnesses, including residents of the apartment complex, told the court that armed men wearing masks carried out the attack, but said they could not identify any of the suspects.
