ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of twelve suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in the violent robbery that led to the tragic death of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Police, the arrested suspects include:
1. Shamsudeen Hassan (male), Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
2. Hassan Isah (male), 22, Zaria, Kaduna State
3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba (male), 27, Musawa LGA, Katsina State
4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume (male), 20, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba (male), 28, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State
6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (male), 21, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
7. Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (male), Katsina LGA, Katsina State
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (male), 23, Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
9. Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (male), 30, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (female), 27, Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State
11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (male), 25, Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
12. Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (male), 31, Maiduguri LGA, Borno State.
According to police investigations, four suspects — Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice — were first apprehended through the tracking of mobile phones stolen from the victims’ apartment during the robbery.
During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan reportedly confessed to shooting the security guard who attempted to prevent their entry, while Sani Sirajo admitted to trying unsuccessfully to stop Somtochukwu Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building during the attack. Shamsudeen also confessed to driving away the white Honda CR-V used in the escape.
The suspects further revealed that each gang member received ₦200,000 as their share of the proceeds from the operation.
Recovered exhibits from the gang 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 and two (2) live cartridges
Four (4) stolen mobile phones
Two (2) sharp knives, one (1) cutlass, and nine (9) torchlights used in the operation
Police sources disclosed that, following intelligence and surveillance, the remaining gang members — including Musa Umar (Small) and Hassan Isah — were intercepted on October 8, 2025, while en route to another planned robbery operation in Maitama, Abuja.
All suspects have confessed to their roles in the crimes, and investigations are ongoing.
The Police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring justice for the late journalist and bringing all perpetrators of violent crimes to book.
