By Naomi Adeola
The Nigeria Police has arraigned eleven suspects before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jabi over the killing of an ARISE News journalist, Mrs. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery in Abuja.
The suspects were brought before Justice Mohammed Idris, who pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
The prosecution told the court that the incident occurred on the 29th of September, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Mabushi, when armed assailants attacked the residential complex.
Miss Maduagwu, who was an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, was killed during the attack, alongside Mr. Danlami, who was on duty as a security guard.
Those arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, and Zaharadeen Mohammed.
Others are Musa Umar, also known as “Small”, Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
Following their pleas, the court ordered that all the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
The matter has been adjourned to the 9th, 10th, and 12th of February, 2026, for definite hearing.
Meanwhile, the killing of the ARISE News journalist has continued to attract strong reactions from media professionals and civil society groups, with renewed calls for accountability and improved protection for journalists across the country.
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