The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the death of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, and a private security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
The suspects were apprehended following an intensive investigation and manhunt operation.
But in a statement on Thursday, the police said the suspects have confessed to the crime.
According to the police, “The suspects were arrested in different locations across several northern states.
”They have confessed to their involvement in multiple armed robberies, including the fatal attack on Maduagwu’s residence in Katampe, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
According to the authorities, four of the suspects were arrested shortly after the robbery through the tracking of the phones stolen from the building.
”One of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, confessed to have shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the building.
”Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, claimed to have Sommie from falling off the storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight. ”
The 12 suspects arrested are
1. Shamsudeen Hassan (25) from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.
2. Hassan Isah (22) from Zaria, Kaduna State.
3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a Abba (27) from Musawa LGA, Katsina State.
4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a Dan Borume (20) from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.
5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a Abba (28) from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State.
6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a Dan-Sule (21) from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.
7. Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a Na-Durudu from Katsina LGA, Katsina State.
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a Gwaska (23) from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State.
9. Musa Adamu a.k.a Musa Hassan (30) from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.
10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a Baby (27) from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State.
11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a Abbati (25) from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
12. Musa Umar a.k.a Small (31) from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State
The police investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The suspects have been charged and are currently in custody.
