The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended 12 members of a notorious armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the murder of ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu (popularly known as Sommie) and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery attack at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
The arrests were made following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, FCT, instructing detectives to swiftly identify and apprehend those behind the deadly September 29, 2025, robbery, which occurred around 3:30 a.m.
Intelligence-Led Operation
According to police sources, operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, acting on digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, successfully tracked and arrested the suspects across several northern states.
Arrested Suspects
The twelve arrested suspects are:
- Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
- Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State)
- Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State)
- Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
- Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State)
- Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
- Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State)
- Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State)
- Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
- Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State)
- Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State)
- Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State)
Confessions and Evidence
Four of the suspects — Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and one other accomplice — were initially captured after detectives traced mobile phones stolen from the victims.
During interrogation, Hassan allegedly confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he attempted to prevent the gang from entering the premises.
Sirajo reportedly stated that he tried to stop Sommie from falling three storeys during the violent encounter.
The suspects also admitted to stealing a white Honda CR-V, which belonged to one of the victims, and sharing ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.
Recovered Items
Police operatives recovered several exhibits, including:
- One fabricated AK-47 rifle
- Thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition
- One locally made pistol
- One pump-action shotgun and two live cartridges
- Four mobile phones belonging to the victims
- Two sharp knives, one cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation
Further Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
On October 8, acting on further intelligence, police intercepted Musa Umar (Small), Hassan Isah, and other gang members en route to another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
The suspects have since confessed to participating in multiple armed robberies across the FCT.
According to the police, investigations are still underway to track down additional fleeing members of the gang.
Authorities have decided to withhold the suspects’ photographs until all accomplices are arrested.
Recovered exhibits, including a video showing an AK-47 rifle found near Zuma Rock, have been submitted as part of the evidence.
