The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 members of a notorious robbery gang in connection with the killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie.
The robbery has also claimed the life of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery at Unique Apartments in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
The attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. on September 29, 2025. According to ARISE News, the arrests followed an intensive manhunt ordered by the FCT Commissioner of Police to track down those responsible for the deadly incident.
Police reports indicate that operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, relied on advanced digital intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, to trace and arrest the suspects across several northern states.
Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu (also known as Abba), Sani Sirajo (Dan Borume), Mashkur Jamilu (Abba), Suleiman Badamasi (Dan-Sule), Abdul Salam Saleh (Na-Durudu), Zaharadeen Muhammad (Gwaska), Musa Adamu (Musa Hassan), Sumayya Mohammed (Baby), Isah Abdulrahman (Abbati), and Musa Umar (Small) — all reportedly from Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno States.
Police sources said the first breakthrough came after detectives tracked mobile phones stolen from the victims. During interrogation, Hassan allegedly confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, while he tried to stop the gang from entering the compound. Sirajo reportedly said he attempted to stop Sommie from falling three storeys during the chaos.
The suspects also admitted to stealing a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims and sharing ₦200,000 each from the proceeds.
Recovered exhibits from the gang include one fabricated AK-47 rifle, thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action shotgun with two live cartridges, four mobile phones belonging to the victims, two sharp knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation.
Further arrests were made on October 8 when police operatives intercepted Musa Umar (Small), Hassan Isah, and others while they were on their way to carry out another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
All suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in several armed robberies across the FCT. The police have withheld their photographs to avoid compromising ongoing investigations, as efforts continue to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
Recovered evidence, including a video of an AK-47 rifle found near Zuma Rock, has been submitted for forensic examination.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that Sommie’s family released details of her burial just a day ago, marking a somber moment for colleagues and fans mourning her death.
Dockaysworld had earlier reported detailed accounts of the armed robbery that claimed Sommie’s life, highlighting how the tragic events unfolded before police eventually closed in on the suspects.
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