The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspects in connection with the violent robbery that led to the deaths of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, at Unique Apartment, Gishiri village, Katampe District, Abuja.
The arrest followed a directive by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, to track down those responsible for the deadly attack, which occurred on September 29, 2025, at about 3:30 a.m.
According to an official intelligence report 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” and dated October 9, 2025, the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey.
Maduagwu, a 29-year-old Arise TV anchor, reportedly died after jumping from her third-floor apartment while attempting to escape the assailants. Eyewitnesses said about 14 armed men invaded the compound, shooting the security guard before breaking into the apartments.
The police report said the breakthrough followed digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, which enabled detectives to trace and apprehend the suspects.
Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu (aka Abba), Sani Sirajo (aka Dan Borume), Mashkur Jamilu, Suleiman Badamasi (aka Dan-Sule), Abdul Salam Saleh (aka Na-Durudu), Zaharadeen Muhammad (aka Gwaska), Musa Adamu (aka Musa Hassan), Sumayya Mohammed (aka Baby), Isah Abdulrahman (aka Abbati), and Musa Umar (aka Small).
During interrogation, some of the suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the robbery and the killing of the security guard. Hassan allegedly shot the guard, while Sirajo claimed he tried to prevent Maduagwu from falling from the building.
Police recovered weapons and items used in the operation, including one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, two cartridges, knives, cutlasses, nine torchlights, and four phones belonging to the victims.
Further investigations led to the interception of other gang members who were reportedly heading to another planned robbery operation in the Maitama area on October 8.
“All suspects have confessed to the crimes. Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated,” the police report stated.
Meanwhile, Abuja-based lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi commended the police for the swift arrests but urged them to ensure diligent prosecution without delay. Another legal practitioner, Oladotun Hassan, also called for a thorough investigation and speedy trial to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
