The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested twelve suspected armed robbers in connection with the brutal killing of an Arise TV staff member, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, during a September 29, 2025, robbery at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
The arrests follow a direct order from President Bola Tinubu to security agencies to track down and prosecute those responsible for the tragic attack.
The operation, led by ACP Victor O. Godfrey’s Scorpion Squad, utilized digital and reconstructive intelligence to trace the suspects. According to counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the investigation yielded swift results, leading to the capture of a large criminal network.
The deadly robbery occurred around 3:30 a.m. when the gang invaded the victims’ residence. The arrested suspects—identified as Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, Mashkur Jamili, Suleiman Badamasi, Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad, Musa Adamu, Sumayya Mohammed, Isah Abdulrahman, and Musa Umar—hail from Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno States.
Suspects Confess to Shootings, Stolen Vehicle
Investigators quickly apprehended four suspects—Shamsudeen, Hassan, Alkamu, and Sirajo—shortly after the crime. During subsequent interrogation, two suspects made key confessions detailing the violence and disposal of stolen property.
Shamsudeen Hassan reportedly confessed to shooting the security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami. Meanwhile, Sani Sirajo claimed he tried to catch Maduagwu as she fell from the third floor, an apparent reference to the victim’s death during the attack.
Shamsudeen also admitted to driving away the victims’ white Honda CR-V, which the gang later sold, with each member receiving ₦200,000 from the proceeds.
On October 8, 2025, the Police operation netted three additional gang members, including Musa Umar and Hassan Isah, who were reportedly arrested while planning another robbery in the Maitama area of the FCT.
The FCT Police confirmed that all 12 suspects are in custody and have confessed to the crime. Recovered items included a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 live rounds, a locally-made pistol, a pump-action gun, two cartridges, four mobile phones, and various tools used for the attacks.
The Commissioner of Police commended the Scorpion Squad for their swift and coordinated response, assuring Abuja residents that the Command “will intensify its operations against violent crimes in the capital.”
