Fresh testimony has emerged in the ongoing murder trial of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, as a police officer told the court how one of the accused helped investigators apprehend other suspects.
An Assistant Superintendent of Police, Maxwell Eje, gave evidence before the FCT High Court, detailing how the second defendant, Sani Surajo, led a special police team to additional suspects linked to the crime.
While being examined by prosecuting counsel, Adama Musa, the officer explained that Surajo guided operatives to Dei-Dei, an area within the Federal Capital Territory, where efforts to track other gang members began.
According to Eje, Surajo was allowed access to his phone under police supervision to contact suspected accomplices.
He reportedly reached out to individuals including Abubakar Alkamu, said to be in Kano, and Hassan Isah.
The officer told the court that the police team adopted a covert approach, disguising themselves to facilitate arrests.
He said the suspects were apprehended after entering a vehicle arranged by the operatives, following which weapons allegedly intended for robbery operations were recovered.
Further testimony revealed that additional suspects were identified and arrested using similar tactics, including one referred to as “Small,” who was also found with a weapon.
Eje stated that statements were obtained from the defendants voluntarily, after informing them of their rights, including the option to contact family members or the Legal Aid Council.
He added that some of the accused chose to proceed without legal representation at that stage.
The prosecution informed the court of its intention to submit the defendants’ statements and recovered firearms as evidence, while indicating that more witnesses, including a medical expert, would testify.
Presiding judge, Mohammed Idris, adjourned the case until June 16 for continuation of hearing.
The case involves multiple defendants facing charges filed by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, including armed robbery and culpable homicide.
The charges stem from a September 29, 2025 incident at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were killed during a robbery attack.
