Twelve Suspects Arrested Over Brutal Murder of Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu and Security Guard in Abuja

In a shocking development that has gripped the nation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of twelve suspected armed robbers allegedly responsible for the brutal murder of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent attack at Unique Apartments in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja. The attack, which took place in the early hours of September 29, 2025, sent waves of grief and outrage through the media community and the public at large.

According to the police, the suspects were apprehended following an intense manhunt ordered by the FCT Commissioner of Police. The operation, led by ACP Victor Godfrey and executed by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, relied on what authorities described as “actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence” provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC. The coordinated raids across multiple hideouts in Abuja and neighboring states led to the arrest of the suspects, who have all reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.

Those arrested have been identified as Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State); Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State); Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State); Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State); Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State); Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State); Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State); and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).

Police investigations revealed that four of the suspects, including Hassan and Abubakar Alkamu, were first tracked down after attempting to use the stolen mobile phones belonging to the deceased victims. Their digital footprints reportedly led operatives to their hideouts, from where the rest of the gang was subsequently apprehended.

During interrogation, Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, after the latter resisted the gang’s forced entry into the building. His chilling confession painted a picture of cold-blooded violence and desperation. Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, admitted that he had struggled with Ms. Maduagwu during the invasion, claiming that he tried to prevent her from falling off the three-storey building but was “overwhelmed by her weight.” His account, however, has been met with skepticism, as investigators believe he may be attempting to minimize his role in the journalist’s tragic death.

The gang reportedly shared proceeds from stolen valuables, with each member allegedly receiving ₦200,000 as their share of the loot. Items recovered from the suspects included one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones belonging to the victims, two sharp knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation.

The FCT Police Command revealed that further arrests were made on October 8, when operatives intercepted more members of the gang, including Musa Umar and Hassan Isah, as they were allegedly en route to another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja. The swift action by the police prevented what could have been another violent incident in the city.

“All suspects have confessed to the crimes. Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated,” the FCT Police Command said in an official statement released on Wednesday. Authorities have, however, withheld the photographs of the arrested suspects to avoid jeopardizing ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

The murder of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, has left her colleagues at Arise TV and the Nigerian media industry devastated. Maduagwu was known for her professionalism, eloquence, and dedication to truth-driven journalism. Her death has been described as a colossal loss to the media landscape. Many journalists and public figures have taken to social media to express their shock, grief, and outrage, demanding justice for her and the slain security guard.

An emotional tribute from one of her colleagues described her as “a bright star whose light was cut short by the senseless violence that plagues our society.” Friends recounted that Somtochukwu had defied her father’s pleas to remain abroad, choosing instead to return to Nigeria to contribute to the nation’s media growth — a decision that now makes her death all the more heartbreaking.

Residents of Gishiri Village have also expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of armed robbery and insecurity in the area. Many are calling for improved police presence and stricter security measures to curb the menace. Some residents recounted hearing gunshots and screams on the night of the attack but said they were too terrified to intervene, fearing for their own safety.

Security experts have praised the FCT Police for the swift arrests but have urged the command to ensure that justice is served swiftly and transparently. They emphasized the need for the government to address the underlying issues of youth unemployment and organized crime, which continue to fuel such violent incidents across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the killing, calling it “a grim reminder of the dangers journalists face while serving the public.” The union urged authorities to ensure the prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act, stressing that journalists must not continue to be victims of criminal attacks.

The tragic incident has reignited conversations about safety in residential areas and the vulnerability of citizens to criminal gangs operating under the cover of darkness. Despite numerous security operations and policy pronouncements, Abuja — Nigeria’s capital — continues to battle with rising crime rates, from kidnappings to armed robberies and violent break-ins.

As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely, hoping that the arrest of the twelve suspects marks the beginning of true justice for Somtochukwu Maduagwu and Barnabas Danlami. Their deaths have not only shaken the media world but also underscored the urgent need for better protection of citizens, particularly those who work tirelessly to inform and enlighten the public.

For now, the memory of Somtochukwu — the courageous anchor who returned home with hope and purpose — lingers as a painful reminder of how fragile life has become in a country struggling to keep its people safe. Her story is no longer just about journalism; it is about the fight against violence, the pursuit of justice, and the collective cry of a nation mourning yet another needless loss.