By Prosper Mene
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned 11 suspects in connection with the tragic murder of Arise News journalist Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami during a violent armed robbery incident.
The suspects appeared before Justice Mohammed Idris at the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. They pleaded not guilty to a nine-count charge that includes criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder.
The arraigned individuals are: Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (aka “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
The incident occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja. Armed robbers invaded the premises, leading to the deaths of Maduagwu—a 29-year-old anchor, reporter, producer, and barrister with ARISE News and Danlami, the estate security guard on duty.
Initial police investigations revealed that Maduagwu fell from the third floor of her building while attempting to escape the attackers, while Danlami was fatally shot. One suspect, Shamsu Hassan, reportedly confessed during earlier interrogations to firing the shot that killed the security guard.
Following the robbery, the FCT Police, through intelligence-led operations involving the Scorpion Squad and digital forensics, arrested 12 suspects in October 2025. Weapons (including a locally fabricated AK-47, pistol, and pump-action gun), ammunition, stolen mobile phones, and other items were recovered. Authorities noted that some arms were sourced from the Niger Republic, highlighting concerns over cross-border illicit arms trafficking.
The case has now advanced to formal court proceedings, with the matter adjourned to February 2026 for further hearings. The police and court actions underscore ongoing efforts to ensure justice for the victims and address armed robbery threats in the capital.
This development brings a measure of progress in a case that caused widespread outrage over journalist safety and insecurity in Abuja.
