Somtochukwu Killing: Court Adjourns Trial over Defendants’ Absence
By Mercy Omotosho
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi has adjourned the trial of 11 suspects accused of killing an Arise Television correspondent, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following the failure to produce the defendants in court.
Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the matter on Monday after officials of the Kuje Correctional Facility did not bring the defendants to court for the scheduled hearing.
The suspects are facing a nine-count amended charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.
Prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, informed the court that officers of the correctional facility claimed they were unaware of the February 9 hearing date, which led to the absence of the defendants.
He added that the prosecution was ready to proceed, noting that witnesses were already present in court.
Justice Idris expressed concern over repeated delays and appealed to the witnesses to reappear in court on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, for the commencement of trial, assuring that the court was prepared to proceed once the defendants were produced.
The charge states that four of the defendants allegedly caused the death of Maduagwu in the early hours of September 29, 2025, at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, by forcing her to jump from a three-storey building, an act the prosecution said led to fatal injuries. The offence is said to be contrary to Sections 220(a) and (b) and punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
Maduagwu, 29, reportedly ju demped from the building while attempting to escape an armed robbery. She was later rushed to Maitama General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command had, in October 2025, announced the arrest of suspects linked to the incident following intelligence-led investigations. The defendants were arraigned before the FCT High Court, Jabi, on January 21, 2026, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending trial.
