The ongoing trial of 11 persons linked to the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, resumed with a prosecution witness outlining how the accused were tracked and apprehended, before the FCT High Court in Jabi.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Maxwell Eje of the CID’s Scorpion Squad told the court that the investigation initially led to the arrest of Shamsu Hassan.
He explained that Hassan fled to Zaria following the September 29 robbery at Unique Apartments in Katampe, an incident during which the journalist lost her life after falling from her apartment.
The witness further stated that Hassan later made a confessional statement and assisted investigators by providing information that led to other suspects.
Eje added that this information guided operatives to Sani Surajo, who was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gosa, along the Abuja Airport Road. Surajo was subsequently taken into custody and also cooperated with the police.
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Proceedings were, however, stalled as defence counsel, Dennis Abu, sought permission to attend a medical appointment, preventing cross-examination of the witness.
Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the matter until Thursday for continuation of the witness’s testimony and cross-examination.
The defendants are facing charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder in a case instituted by the FCT Commissioner of Police. The attack also resulted in the death of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
