No fewer than 11 suspects have been brought before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in connection with the robbery attack that resulted in the death of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were arraigned several months after investigations into the incident, which shocked residents of Abuja and the media community.
Somtochukwu was killed on the night of September 29, 2025, alongside Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, during a robbery at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja.
Reports from the night of the attack stated that the assailants shot Danlami when he attempted to stop them from entering the premises. The suspects later claimed that Miss Maduagwu fell from her second-floor apartment while trying to escape the robbers.
Following the incident, FCT Police Command commenced an intensive investigation, tracking the movements of the suspects and gathering intelligence from the crime scene and surrounding areas. These efforts eventually led to the arrest of those allegedly involved in the attack.
The police confirmed on Wednesday that the individuals arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar, also known as “Small,” Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman. According to the police, the suspects are facing multiple charges linked to the robbery and killings.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the police detailed the nature of the charges and the court proceedings.
The statement reads, “The FCT Police Command has today arraigned eleven (11) suspects linked to the murder of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, Esq., and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, who were killed during a robbery incident at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on 29th September 2025. The suspects have been arraigned on a nine (9) count charge including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The matter has been adjourned to February 2026 for further proceedings.”
The police command also used the opportunity to appeal to residents of the FCT to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
Members of the public were advised to contact the police through the command’s emergency lines whenever necessary, as investigations and prosecution of criminal cases continue across the territory.
