The Nigeria Police Force has arrested twelve suspects accused of carrying out the armed robbery attack that claimed the lives of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, in Abuja.
The attack occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District.
The suspects allegedly stormed the building around 3:30 a.m., killing the security guard while attempting to break in.
During the chaos, Maduagwu, a 29-year-old journalist, reportedly jumped from her third-floor apartment in a desperate attempt to escape and later died from her injuries.
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Following the tragic incident, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police deployed operatives of the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey.
Acting on intelligence traced through digital forensics, the operatives tracked and arrested twelve suspects across different parts of Abuja and neighboring states.
Among those arrested were Shamsudeen Hassan, who reportedly fired the shot that killed the security guard, and several others who allegedly shared proceeds from the robbery.
Police disclosed that some of the suspects were intercepted on October 8 while heading to Maitama for another planned operation.
Items recovered from the gang include a fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, live ammunition, mobile phones stolen from the victims, knives, cutlasses, and torchlights used during the operation.
The police said all suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime and are currently assisting investigators in uncovering other fleeing members of the gang.
Late Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who worked as a journalist, producer, and lawyer with Arise News Channel, was known for her passion for women’s rights and legal reporting.
Her death has continued to spark grief across Nigeria’s media community, while the police assure that justice will be served.
