Arise TV Anchor Murder Trial Stalls as Prison Officials Fail to Produce 11 Suspects

The trial of 11 suspects accused of killing Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu 'Sommie' Maduagwu in 2025 has been adjourned to February 10 after prison officials failed to produce them in court, claiming they were unaware of the hearing date. 

The suspects are facing charges of armed robbery and culpable homicide for allegedly breaking into Unique Apartment in Abuja, where Maduagwu was killed, and shooting a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.

The prosecution had four witnesses ready to testify, but the trial couldn't proceed without the defendants.

Justice Mohammed Idris urged the witnesses to return on the adjourned date and ordered a formal hearing notice be issued to the Nigerian Correctional Services to ensure the suspects' presence.

Maduagwu, a popular TV anchor, was killed in September 2025 during a robbery incident at her apartment. 

The suspects are accused of forcing her to jump from a three-storey building, leading to fatal injuries, and stealing valuables from residents.