Authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the tragic death of Arise Television anchor and producer, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, who was killed during a violent robbery at her Abuja residence late last month.
According to a report shared on Arise TV’s Morning Show and further confirmed by journalist Rufai Oseni, operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, successfully apprehended twelve members of the armed robbery gang responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of Ms. Maduagwu and the apartment’s security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
The deadly incident occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja, around 3:30 a.m.. Reports indicate that the robbers invaded the building in a coordinated assault that left residents terrified and two people dead.
Following a directive from the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Scorpion Squad launched an intelligence-driven manhunt using digital and reconstructive forensic technology provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB Stratoc. The operation led to the capture of the twelve suspects, all of whom have confessed to their roles in the attack.
The suspects were 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
Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, Maiduguri LGA, Borno State
Investigations revealed that four of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice were first tracked through mobile phones stolen from the apartment during the attack.
During interrogation, Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Mr. Danlami, after he tried to stop them from entering the premises. Meanwhile, Sirajo admitted that he attempted to restrain Ms. Maduagwu from falling off the building but was unable to hold her. Hassan also revealed that he fled the scene in a white Honda CR-V stolen from the apartment.
Each suspect reportedly received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the robbery.
The police recovered a cache of weapons and stolen items from the suspects, including:
One fabricated AK-47 rifle
Thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition
One locally made pistol
One pump-action gun
Two live cartridges
Four mobile phones belonging to the victims
Two sharp knives, one cutlass, and nine torchlights used in the operation
Further investigations led to the arrest of additional gang members on October 8, 2025, as they prepared for another robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
The FCT Police Command confirmed that all arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crimes, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing accomplices.
Authorities have chosen to withhold photographs of the suspects to avoid compromising ongoing operations. Recovered weapons and forensic evidence, including a video showing the recovery of an AK-47 rifle near Zuma Rock, have been attached to the case file.
The death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a respected journalist and TV anchor known for her professionalism and warmth, had earlier sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s media community. Her colleagues at Arise TV described her as a bright, passionate talent whose career was cut short by senseless violence.
The latest arrests have brought a measure of hope for justice and closure for her family, friends, and colleagues, even as Nigerians continue to call for tougher security measures across the nation’s capital.
