Proceedings before Justice Mohammed Idris were adjourned after the lead prosecutor, Adama Musa, failed to appear in court.
The trial of 11 suspects accused of killing Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, suffered another setback on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja.
Proceedings before Justice Mohammed Idris were adjourned after the lead prosecutor, Adama Musa, failed to appear in court.
Musa was said to be engaged in another criminal matter at a sister court in Apo at the time the case was called.
The development marks the second disruption in three days in the high-profile murder trial.
On Monday, the case could not proceed after the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) failed to produce the defendants in court, reportedly claiming they were not aware of the scheduled hearing date.
The repeated delays have raised concerns over the pace of prosecution in the case, which stems from a violent robbery that occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in the Katampe Extension area of Abuja.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly carried out an armed robbery during which Maduagwu and Danlami were killed.
All 11 defendants, including Shamsu Hassan and ten others, have pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
Following the prosecutor’s absence, Justice Idris adjourned the matter to April 21, 22 and 23 for continuation of trial.
The judge expressed hope that the prosecution would conclude its case within the scheduled dates, paving the way for judgment before the end of the year.