Eleven suspects have been arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi over the fatal shooting of ARISE News journalist Barrister Somtochukwu Maduagwu and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery in Abuja.
The suspects appeared before Justice Mohammed Idris on Wednesday, facing a nine-count charge that includes criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
All pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The deadly attack occurred on 29 September 2025 at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, when armed assailants stormed the residential complex.
Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer with Arise News, was shot dead alongside Danlami, who was on duty at the time.
Those arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (aka “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
Following their plea, the court ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
The case has been adjourned for definite hearing on 9, 10, and 12 February 2026.
The killing of the Arise News journalist has sparked widespread outrage among media professionals and civil society organisations, with renewed calls for greater accountability and enhanced protection for journalists operating in Nigeria.
