Police Arrest Armed Robbers Behind The Death Of Arise News Staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made a major breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome murder of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, who tragically lost her life during a robbery attack at her Gishiri apartment in Abuja.

According to police reports, twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery that claimed the young journalist’s life. Those in custody include:

1. Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
2. Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State)
3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State)
4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State)
6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
7. Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State)
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State)
9. Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State)
11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State)
12. Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).

Police investigations revealed that the suspects stormed the apartment on the fateful night, armed with guns, machetes, and other dangerous weapons in a desperate attempt to  overwhelm the residents, the security guard was shot by Shamsudeen Hassan, who later confessed to pulling the trigger.

During interrogation, the same suspect admitted to driving away in the white Honda CR-V jeep stolen from the compound after the operation. Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, confessed that he tried to stop Somtochukwu from falling off the three-storey building as she struggled to escape the attackers — but said he was “overwhelmed by her weight.”

In the aftermath of the attack, police operatives were able to track some of the phones stolen from the victims, leading to the arrest of four of the suspects — Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and one other. Their confessions opened the trail that eventually led to the capture of the rest of the gang.

Recovered from the suspects were:

• One fabricated AK-47 rifle
• 36 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
• Nine torchlights used during the operation

In a further sting operation carried out on October 8, 2025, the police, acting on a tip-off and digital intelligence, intercepted the remaining members of the gang — including Musa Umar a.k.a. Small and Hassan Isah — who were reportedly on their way to execute another planned robbery in the Maitama area of Abuja.

All suspects are now in custody and have confessed to their crimes. The police say investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is fully served.

Somtochukwu’s death sent shockwaves through the journalism community and beyond — a painful reminder of the rising insecurity that has cut short too many young, promising lives. Described by colleagues as brilliant, compassionate, and full of life, Somtochukwu’s story has now become a rallying cry for justice and safety for media professionals and residents alike.

As the nation mourns her untimely death, the arrest of her killers brings a measure of solace — a sign that even in grief, justice can still prevail.