The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspected members of a notorious armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the brutal killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery at Unique Apartments in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
Confirming the arrests, FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, commended the swift operation of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, following his directive to bring the perpetrators of the September 29, 2025, robbery to justice.
“We vowed that the killers of Miss Maduagwu and Mr. Danlami would not go unpunished. I am pleased to inform the public that 12 suspects connected to this heinous act are now in custody,” the Commissioner said.
“We will ensure every accomplice, no matter how far they run, is brought to justice.”
Digital Trail and Arrests
According to police sources, detectives acting on digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, tracked the suspects across multiple northern states before apprehending them.
Those arrested include:
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); and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).
Confessions and Evidence
Four suspects — Hassan, Alkamu, Sirajo, and one accomplice — were first picked up after police traced mobile phones stolen from the victims.
During interrogation, Hassan reportedly admitted to shooting the late security guard, Barnabas Danlami, who attempted to block the gang’s entry.
“Yes, I shot him because he raised an alarm,” Hassan was quoted as saying during questioning.
Sirajo, on his part, claimed he tried to prevent Sommie from falling from the third floor during the chaos.
The gang also confessed to stealing and driving away a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims. They later shared ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the robbery.
Recovered Items
Police said several dangerous weapons and stolen property were recovered from the suspects, including:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- Thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition
- One locally made pistol
- One pump-action shotgun and two cartridges
- Four mobile phones belonging to the victims
- Two sharp knives, one cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation
A video of one of the recovered rifles, discovered near Zuma Rock, has also been submitted as evidence.
Further Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Acting on additional intelligence, police operatives on October 8 intercepted Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), Hassan Isah, and other gang members while en route to another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
“All suspects have confessed to their roles in multiple armed robberies across the FCT,” a senior police officer said.
“We’re still tracking a few members who fled. This investigation is far from over.”
Authorities have withheld photographs of the suspects pending the capture of other accomplices.
The FCT Police Command assured residents that justice will be served, emphasizing its commitment to securing the capital and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
