Abuja, Nigeria – October 9, 2025 – Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced the arrest of twelve (12) suspected armed robbers in connection with the fatal robbery that led to the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
The victims were killed during a brazen robbery operation at a unique apartment complex in Gishiri village, Katampe District, on September 29, 2025, at approximately 3:30 AM.
The arrests follow a direct order from the FCT Commissioner of Police to swiftly apprehend those responsible. Operatives of the elite “Scorpion Squad,” led by ACP Victor Godfrey, executed the arrests based on “actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence” supplied by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC.
Four of the suspects—Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and one other—were initially apprehended shortly after the incident through the tracking of stolen mobile phones. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects made startling confessions regarding their roles in the tragic incident:
- Shamsudeen Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he attempted to prevent the gang from entering the apartment. Hassan also admitted to driving a white Honda CR-V jeep away from the scene after the robbery.
- Sani Sirajo confessed to having tried to restrain Ms. Maduagwu from falling from the three-story building but was reportedly “overwhelmed by her weight.” Ms. Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter, and producer for Arise News, died from the incident.
- The initial four arrested suspects each claimed to have received ₦200,000 as proceeds from the crime.
In a significant development, the remaining members of the gang, including Musa Umar (a.k.a. small) and Hassan Isah, were intercepted yesterday, October 8, 2025, while en route to a planned armed robbery operation in Maitama. This interception was also based on a tip-off and digital intelligence.
In total, twelve male suspects, primarily from Kaduna and Katsina states, have been arrested and have reportedly confessed to the crimes.
Police recovered a substantial cache of weapons and items believed to have been used in the operation and stolen from the victims. Exhibits recovered include:
- One (1) fabricated AK-47 rifle (with video evidence of recovery at Zuma Rock)
- Thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition
- One (1) locally made pistol and one (1) pump-action gun
- Two (2) live cartridges
- Four (4) mobile phones belonging to the victims
- Sharp knives, a cutlass, and nine (9) torchlights
Investigation is ongoing to apprehend any remaining members of the gang. The police did not release photographs of the suspects, stating they have been redacted until other fleeing members involved in yesterday’s attempted robbery are arrested.
