12 suspects paraded over killing of ARISE news anchor, security guard in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday paraded twelve suspects linked to the armed robbery and fatal attack on Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a journalist with ARISE News, and Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, on 29 September 2025.

At a press briefing at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, said the arrests followed a coordinated, intelligence-driven investigation launched immediately after the attack.

The suspects arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan; Hassan Isah (22); Abubakar AlKamu a.k.a. Abba (27); Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume (20); Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba (28); Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (21); Abdulsalam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu; Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (23); Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (30); Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (27); Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (25); and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (31).

Police recovered several weapons and items, including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, 36 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, two cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, a cutlass, and two flashlights.

Investigations revealed that the fatal shot that killed Mr. Danlami was fired by Shamsudeen Hassan after the security guard reportedly tried to stop the suspects from entering the apartment complex.

The Force spokesperson also said the suspects obtained their firearms from a supplier in Niger Republic and had participated in other armed robbery operations in Katampe I, Apo, Zuba, and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Nigeria Police Force expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice.

“The Force remains resolute in ensuring that all individuals connected to this grievous crime are prosecuted in accordance with the law,” CSP Hundeyin said.

The Force headquarters also commended the FCT Command operatives for their professionalism and diligence in securing arrests and recovering weapons.

Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to assist in crime prevention and detection.

Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be released as new facts emerge.