The FCT Police Command has arrested 12 armed robbery suspects linked to the killing of ARISE TV journalist Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami during a deadly robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh announced the arrests on Friday, naming the suspects as Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu, also known as Abba (27), Sani Sirajo, alias Dan Borume (20), the gang’s driver, Mashkur Jamilu, alias Abba (28), Suleiman Badamasi, known as Dan Sule (21), who supplied vehicles for the operation, Abdulsalam Saleh (Na-Durudu), Zaharadeen Muhammad, alias Gwaska (23), Musa Adamu, also called Musa Hassan (30), Sumayya Mohammed, known as Baby (27), Isah Abdulrahman, alias Abbati (25), and Musa Umar, alias Small (31).
All suspects hail from Kaduna and Katsina States. Initial investigations show the gang obtained their weapons from an unidentified arms supplier in Niger Republic.
The suspects also admitted to carrying out similar robberies in Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another location in Zuba, all within Abuja.
SP Adeh confirmed that Shamsudeen Hassan fired the fatal shot that killed security guard Barnabas Danlami.
Police recovered the following items from the suspects:
- One locally fabricated AK-47 rifle
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One locally made pistol
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One pump-action gun
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36 live ammunition rounds and 2 live cartridges
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4 mobile phones
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2 knives, 1 cutlass, and 1 heavy flashlight
The FCT Police Command has assured Abuja residents that all suspects remain in custody and will be prosecuted.
