Police: How We Arrested Suspects Connected With Death of Arise TV Journalist

By Eshiorameh Sebastian

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major development in the investigation of a deadly armed robbery in Abuja, confirming the arrest of twelve suspects connected to the crime which claimed the life of ARISE News journalist, Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu.

The Force Public Relations Officer delivered the update during a press briefing on Saturday at the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Garki, Abuja.

The robbery took place in the early hours of 29th September 2025 at Unique Apartments in the Katampe Extension area of Mabushi. Tragically, two people were killed: the journalist, Ms. Maduagwu, and a security guard on duty, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.

Police officials stated that a “coordinated intelligence-driven investigation” led to the arrests. A total of twelve men, aged between 20 and 31, are now in custody.

During the operation, a significant cache of weapons was recovered from the suspects. The exhibits include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pistol, a pump-action gun, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and other dangerous weapons.

Providing chilling details, the police revealed that one of the primary suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, confessed to firing the shot that killed the security guard, Mr. Danlami. “He stated that he shot the guard when the latter attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment complex,” the briefing stated.

Investigations also uncovered that the gang’s firearms were sourced from a supplier in the Niger Republic, who is still at large. The suspects have been linked to other armed robbery operations in areas including Katampe I, Apo, and Zuba.

The Nigeria Police Force extended its “deepest condolences” to the families and colleagues of the victims. They assured the public that “justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion” and that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.

The swift police action in this case follows a direct order from President Bola Tinubu. In the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident, which shocked the nation due to the tragic death of a member of the press, President Tinubu publicly condemned the attack. He had specifically tasked security agencies to immediately “fish out the perpetrators” of the crime and ensure they face the full weight of the law.