The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of twelve (12) suspected armed robbers in connection with the violent robbery and homicide incident that resulted in the deaths of Arise Television journalist, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu (aged 29), and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, at the Unique Apartment Complex, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
According to an official intelligence report dated 9 October 2025 and titled “Arrest of the Notorious Armed Robbers Involved in the Robbery that Led to the Death of Arise News Staff, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and the Security Man Guarding Unique Apartment, Barnabas Danlami”, the arrests were effected by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, under the supervision of ACP Victor Godfrey, acting on the directive of FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale.
The incident occurred on 29 September 2025, at approximately 03:30 a.m., when a gang of fourteen (14) armed men reportedly invaded the residential complex, fatally shooting the security guard before entering the compound. In an attempt to escape, Ms. Maduagwu is reported to have leapt from her third-floor apartment and subsequently succumbed to her injuries at Maitama District Hospital.
The police disclosed that the investigative breakthrough was achieved through “actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence” provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, which enabled the identification and apprehension of the suspects.
The arrested suspects include:
Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State;
Hassan Isah, aged 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State;
Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), aged 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State;
Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), aged 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State;
Mashkur Jamilu (a.k.a. Abba), aged 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State;
Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), aged 21, from Malumfashi, Katsina State;
Abdul Salam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA;
Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), aged 23, from Chikun, Kaduna State;
Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), aged 30, from Malumfashi, Katsina State;
Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), aged 27, from Saminaka, Kaduna State;
Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), aged 25, from Zaria, Kaduna State; and
Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), aged 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State.
During interrogation, several suspects allegedly confessed to their participation in the robbery and to the fatal shooting of the security guard. Shamsudeen Hassan reportedly admitted to firing the shot that killed Mr. Danlami, while Sani Sirajo claimed to have attempted to prevent Ms. Maduagwu’s fall from the building but was unable to do so. The suspects also disclosed that they received ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the operation.
Recovered exhibits include one (1) fabricated AK-47 rifle, thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one (1) locally made pistol, one (1) pump-action shotgun, two (2) live cartridges, four (4) victims’ mobile phones, two (2) knives, one (1) cutlass, and nine (9) torch lights allegedly used during the robbery.
The Command further confirmed that additional suspects were intercepted while en route to another planned armed robbery operation within the Maitama District on 8 October 2025. The police noted that all suspects are in custody and investigations remain ongoing, with updates to be provided as developments unfold.
Reacting to the arrests, Abuja-based legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi, lauded the police for their prompt action but urged the authorities to ensure diligent and expeditious prosecution. He emphasized that “justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” adding that any unnecessary delays in charging the suspects would be “painful and dishonorable” to the victim’s family.
Similarly, Barrister Oladotun Hassan commended the police effort but advised that a comprehensive investigation precede prosecution to ensure a watertight case. He also cautioned against unnecessary adjournments during trial proceedings, calling for cooperation between the prosecution and judiciary to prevent procedural lapses that could compromise justice.
The police have withheld the publication of suspects’ photographs pending the arrest of additional fleeing members of the gang.#newsafro_
