Cambodian Journalist Detained Over Article on Religious Ceremonies Later Released
February 11, 2026
Palestinian Female Journalist Re-Arrested After Earlier Release in Prisoner Exchange
February 12, 2026
February 11, 2026 – Nigeria –
The murder trial of 11 suspects accused of the killing of ARISE News anchor Frank Maduagwu formally commenced in a Nigerian federal high court this week, marking a significant procedural step in a case that has drawn national attention to violence against journalists. However, proceedings were delayed when several defendants failed to appear in court, forcing the judge to adjourn the hearing.
The trial began on 10 February 2026 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the prosecution presented an initial outline of charges against 11 individuals accused of involvement in Maduagwu’s 2025 murder. Maduagwu, a well-known broadcaster and television personality, was shot and killed last year in Lagos State, prompting widespread condemnation from media communities and human rights groups.
During the first hearing, the prosecution laid out the indictment and emphasised that the suspects face charges including murder, conspiracy, and possession of illegal firearms, contending that the evidence links them to the fatal shooting of the journalist. Lawyers for the state argued that the trial would be crucial for delivering justice and deterring attacks on media workers in Nigeria, where reporters covering crime and politics often operate under threat.
However, the proceedings ran into an immediate procedural setback when several defendants were absent from the dock. Court officials noted that some defendants had failed to appear despite being duly summoned, necessitating an adjournment to allow authorities time to secure their presence at future hearings. The presiding judge emphasised that compliance with court orders is essential for the trial to proceed and warned that warrants could be issued for those who continue to evade attendance.
Defence counsel for absent suspects later informed the court that logistical issues and legal preparations were among the reasons cited for non-appearance, and requested additional time to ensure that all defendants could be present for subsequent sessions. The judge granted a short adjournment, with the next hearing scheduled for later this month, signalling the court’s intention to begin substantive examinations once all parties are present.
Advocates for press freedom and Maduagwu’s colleagues have welcomed the start of the trial as a necessary step toward accountability but expressed frustration that procedural hurdles have already slowed the process. Media unions reiterated calls for a swift and transparent judicial process to ensure justice for the slain journalist and to underscore that violence against journalists will not go unpunished in Nigeria.
The case continues to be closely watched by the Nigerian press corps and civil society groups, which emphasise that successful prosecution could strengthen protections for journalists and reaffirm the rule of law in cases involving attacks on members of the media.
Reference –
https://www.arise.tv/defendants-absence-stalls-trial-in-arise-news-anchors-murder-2/
https://www.arise.tv/trial-begins-for-11-suspects-over-murder-of-arise-news-anchor-maduagwu/
Murder trial of ARISE journalist delayed over absent defendants
