In a major breakthrough, the Nigeria Police Force says it has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers tied to the fatal September 29 robbery that claimed the life of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu and a security guard. 

According to the FCT Police Command, operatives from the Scorpion Squad, under ACP Victor Godfrey, made the arrests across multiple locations. The suspects were traced using digital and reconstructive intelligence, particularly tracking mobile phones stolen during the operation. 

Police say Shamsudeen Hassan, one of the suspects, confessed to firing the shot that killed the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he resisted the intruders.  Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, reportedly admitted attempting to prevent Somtochukwu from falling, but claimed he was overpowered by her weight. 

Each of the arrested suspects reportedly received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the robbery, police say. 

The suspects have been identified, among them Shamsudeen Hassan (from Katsina), Abubakar Alkamu (alias Abba), Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Mashkur Jamilu, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Muhammad, Musa Adamu, Sumayya Mohammed, Isah Abdulrahman, Musa Umar, and Abdul Salam Saleh.  Police withheld photos of the suspects so as not to jeopardise the ongoing manhunt for any associates still at large. 

The incident occurred in the early hours of September 29 at Unique Apartments in the Gishiri area of Katampe, Abuja. The building is a multi-storey complex under private security. Robbers reportedly invaded the premises, shot a guard, then caused panic, leading Somtochukwu to jump from her top-floor apartment in a desperate bid to escape.  She was rushed to Maitama General Hospital but later died from her injuries. 

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described the attack as “cruel and senseless” and ordered a discreet but thorough investigation. He confirmed the deployment of both intelligence and operational resources to trace every person involved. 

Arise News expressed profound grief over the loss of their staff member, praising Somtochukwu as a vibrant journalist and a passionate advocate for gender equality. The network has called for a speedy resolution and prosecution of those found guilty. 

As the suspects are being held and interrogated, authorities say investigations are ongoing. No formal charges have yet been filed publicly, and questions remain about whether additional arrests will follow.