The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of twelve suspects linked to the armed robbery and brutal killing of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a journalist with ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja. The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2025, when the assailants launched a violent attack that claimed the lives of the victims and left residents in shock.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundehin, the suspects sourced their weapons from a supplier in the Niger Republic and had been responsible for a series of armed robbery operations across Katampe I, Apo, Zuba, and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory. The Force PRO said efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional accomplices and the transnational arms supplier, assuring the public that justice will be served and measures are being strengthened to prevent similar crimes in the FCT.
He said the arrests followed a “coordinated, intelligence-driven investigation” launched immediately after the incident.
The suspects arrested are: Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar AlKamu a.k.a. Abba (27), Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume (20), Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba (28), Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (21), Abdulsalam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu, Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (23), Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (30), Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (27), Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (25), and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (31).
Recovered exhibits include: one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, 36 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, one cutlass, and two flashlights.
According to police investigations, the fatal shot that killed the security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, was fired by one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, after the guard reportedly attempted to prevent the gang from gaining access to the apartment complex.
The Force spokesperson further disclosed that the suspects sourced their weapons from a supplier in Niger Republic and had been involved in other armed robbery operations across Katampe I, Apo, Zuba, and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
While expressing condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased victims, the Police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice.
“The Force remains resolute in ensuring that all individuals connected to this grievous crime are prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
The Police commended the professionalism and diligence of the FCT Command operatives whose painstaking efforts led to the arrests and recoveries.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid the prevention and detection of crimes.
The Force also assured that investigations are still ongoing and that further updates will be provided as more facts emerge.
