By Obinna Uballa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers in connection with the killing of Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery attack in Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated operation by the Scorpion Squad under the FCT Command, acting on intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, according to a statement by Arise News on Thursday.
The robbery, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, left the 29-year-old journalist and a security guard dead. The tragic incident had sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Following the attack, the FCT Commissioner of Police ordered an extensive manhunt for the assailants, leading to the arrest of the 12 suspects through digital and reconstructive forensic intelligence.
The operation was led by ACP Victor Godfrey, commander of the Scorpion Squad, who confirmed that forensic evidence and tracking technology were instrumental in identifying and apprehending the gang members.
The suspects were identified as:
1. Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
2. Hassan Isah, 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State
3. Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State
4. Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
5. Mashkur Jamilu (a.k.a. Abba), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State
6. Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
7. Abdul Salam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
9. Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
10. Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), 27, from Saminaka LGA, Kaduna State
11. Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
12. Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the gang’s activities and possible links to other robberies in the FCT and neighbouring states.
The Command assured that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, reiterating its commitment to protecting residents and ensuring justice for the slain journalist and security guard.
