Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced the arrest of the suspected armed robbers linked to the death of an ARISE TV staff member, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
The duo lost their lives over the robbery incident at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
Our correspondent reports that the incident happened at about 3:30am, on September 29, 2025.
Ms. Somtochukwu reportedly jumped from the balcony of her apartment on the third floor of the building when the robbers invaded the estate.
In its statement on Thursday, the police said shortly after the incident, four of the suspects were arrested through the tracking of the phones stolen from the building.
The police said Shamsudeen Hassan, one of the suspects, confessed to have shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the building.
Sani Sirajo, another suspect reportedly said he held the victim from falling off the storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.
“Operatives of the scorpion squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, have successfully arrested twelve (12) of the armed robbers that were involved in that operation.”
“During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment.
“Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.
“Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white Honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.
“Recovered exhibits include: one (1) fabricated AK-47 rifle; thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition; one (1) locally made pistol; one (1) pump-action gun; two (2) live cartridges; four (4) mobile phones of the victims; two (2) sharp knives; one (1) cutlass; nine (9) torchlights used during the operation.”
