By Chidimma Okwara,
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers in connection with a violent robbery attack that led to the death of Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu (staff of Arise News) and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe, Abuja.
The attack occurred on September 29, 2025, at around 3:30 a.m.
The arrests were made following coordinated intelligence operations by the Scorpion Squad (FCT Command) using digital and forensic intelligence from Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB Stratoc.
Among the suspects, four were arrested early after their involvement was traced via stolen mobile phones from the victims’ apartment.
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During interrogation one of the robbers, Mr. Shamsudeen Hassan allegedly confessed to shooting the security guard, Danlami, when he attempted to resist their entry into the building.
Another robber, Mr. Sani Sirajo reportedly claimed he tried to hold Somtochukwu from falling off a three-storey building, but was unable to due to her weight.
Hassan also confessed that he drove the victim’s white Honda CR‑V out after the robbery.
The suspects reportedly shared ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.
Items recovered include a fabricated AK‑47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones (from victims), two sharp knives, a cutlass, 9 torchlights used in the operation.
On October 8, 2025, police intercepted some of the suspects (including Musa Umar “Small” and Hassan Isah) en route to another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
All 12 suspects have confessed to involvement, and investigation continues, particularly to apprehend additional fleeing accomplices.
