FCT Police Arrest 12 Armed Robbery Suspects in Death of Arise News Anchor

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have successfully apprehended twelve armed robbery suspects believed to be responsible for the tragic killing of Arise News anchor, reporter, and producer Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu alongside security guard Barnabas Danlami. The fatal robbery occurred at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, on the early morning of September 29, 2025.

Following a directive from the FCT Commissioner of Police, ACP Victor Godfrey led the elite Scorpion Squad operatives, who, acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, tracked and arrested the suspects across multiple locations.

The twelve suspects—ranging in age from 20 to 31 years—with origins from various LGAs in Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno states, have all confessed to involvement in the robbery operation. Notably, four suspects—Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another—were initially arrested after tracking the mobile phones stolen during the robbery.

During interrogations, Shamsudeen Hassan admitted to shooting the security guard Danlami while the latter attempted to thwart the robbers’ entrance into the property. Sani Sirajo recounted trying to save Ms. Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight. The suspects revealed they each received ₦200,000 from the loot proceeds.

Recovered exhibits from the crime scene and suspects include one fabricated AK-47 rifle, thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, multiple mobile phones belonging to the victims, sharp knives, a cutlass, and torchlights used during the operation.

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Further investigations led to the interception of remaining gang members on October 8, 2025, en route to a planned robbery at Maitama in the early hours. All suspects have fully confessed to their roles. The police announced ongoing investigations and affirmed their commitment to arrest any remaining fleeing perpetrators.

This successful operation demonstrates the effective use of digital forensics and intelligence in combating violent crime in Abuja, providing some solace to the bereaved families of both Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and Barnabas Danlami. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and supportive of security efforts.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses