The FCT Police Command has arrested 12 notorious armed robbery suspects responsible for the murder of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, Esq.—an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News—and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, during a robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on 29th September 2025.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, set up a Special Investigation Team led by DCP Aliyu Abubakar (SCID) and assisted by ACP Victor Godfrey (Scorpion Squad) to dismantle the criminal network.

Using digital intelligence and coordinated operations across the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States, the team apprehended 12 suspects and recovered key exhibits.
FCT Police Recover Arms, Arrest 12 in Connection with Arise News Journalist’s Murder

The FCT Police Command has arrested 12 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of Arise News journalist Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and security guard Mr. Barnabas Danlami during a robbery on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja.

Recovered from the suspects:
– 1 locally fabricated AK-47 rifle
– 1 locally made pistol
– 1 pump-action gun
– 36 live rounds
– 2 cartridges
– 4 phones
– 2 knives
– 1 cutlass
– 1 heavy flashlight

The suspects, all from Kaduna and Katsina States, include:
Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar.

Preliminary investigations revealed they sourced weapons from Niger Republic and carried out similar robberies in Katampe 1, Apo, and Zuba. Shamsudeen Hassan was identified as the one who fatally shot the guard.
CP Ajao S. Adewale extended condolences and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to justice and public safety. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity via 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU: 08107314192.