The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of twelve notorious armed robbery suspects implicated in the tragic killing of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a reporter with ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard. The incident occurred during a robbery at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Mabushi, on September 29, 2025.

In an official statement, SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police, disclosed the names of the suspects, which include Shamsudeen Hassan, 22; Hassan Isah, 27; and several others, all hailing from Kaduna and Katsina States. The suspects range in age from 20 to 31 years.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang procured their firearms from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in Niger Republic,” Adeh stated. “They have also confessed to participating in other armed robbery operations within the FCT, including incidents in Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another in Zuba.”

Adeh emphasized that the fatal shot that killed Mr. Danlami was fired by suspect Shamsudeen Hassan. The police have released CCTV footage that captures one of the suspects during the robbery, aiding in the investigation.

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, 36 live ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two knives, one cutlass, and a heavy flashlight.

The police continue their investigations as they work to bring all responsible parties to justice. The loss of Ms. Maduagwu, who was a respected journalist, has sent shockwaves through the media community and raised concerns about safety and security in the FCT.