The man accused of shooting and killing popular Ethiopian musician Hachalu Hundesa more than a month ago has appeared in a federal court on Friday in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Tilahun Wami admitted his guilt to the court, according to the state broadcaster.

The suspect requested a speedy trial and demanded protection for his family according to the report.

He also lodged a complaint to the count about the conditions of his detention saying he doesn't get much sunlight.

Police requested additional time to hunt down the masterminds of the killing who they said are still at large.

The court granted 11 days for additional investigation.

The murder of the musician triggered violence in the capital and the country's most populous region, Oromia, in which more than 160 people were killed.

Thousands of people have been arrested following the violence including prominent opposition figures Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba and Eskinder Nega.