The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers in connection with the killing of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery in Abuja.
According to Arise TV, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by the Scorpion Squad under the FCT Command. The operation was supported by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, which provided digital and reconstructive intelligence that helped track down the culprits.
How the Arrests Were Made
The FCT Commissioner of Police ordered a manhunt for the gang after the deadly incident, which occurred on September 29, 2025, around 3:30 a.m., at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District.
Following actionable intelligence, operatives led by ACP Victor Godfrey arrested 12 suspects identified as Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu (Abba), Sani Sirajo (Dan Borume), Mashkur Jamilu, Suleiman Badamasi (Dan-Sule), Abdul Salam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad, Musa Adamu, Sumayya Mohammed, Isah Abdulrahman, and Musa Umar.
A police statement revealed that four suspects Hassan, Alkamu, Sirajo, and one other were first apprehended after tracking mobile phones stolen from the victims during the robbery.
Confessions and Evidence Recovered
During interrogation, Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Danlami, while attempting to enter the building. Sirajo, on the other hand, claimed he tried to prevent Maduagwu from falling off the building during the attack.
Recovered items include:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- 36 rounds of live ammunition
- A locally made pistol and a pump-action gun
- Two cartridges, four mobile phones, knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights
Police said the remaining gang members were arrested on Wednesday while heading to Maitama for another planned robbery.
Background of the Incident
The late Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a respected anchor and producer with Arise News, tragically died during the robbery at her Gishiri residence in the early hours of September 29, 2025.
Initial reports suggested she was shot, but police investigations later revealed she fell from the third floor of her apartment while attempting to escape the attackers. The estate’s security guard, Barnabas Danlami, was also killed in the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities confirmed that all 12 suspects have confessed to the crime, while investigations continue to ensure justice for the victims.
The FCT Police Command assured residents of heightened security patrols and reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and protecting lives in the capital city.
