Police Parade 12 Suspects Over Murder of Arise News Anchor, Security Guard in Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has paraded twelve suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a violent robbery attack in Abuja.
The tragic incident occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The assailants reportedly invaded the residential area in the dead of night, robbing occupants of valuables before fatally attacking Maduagwu and Danlami.
Addressing journalists on Saturday at the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Garki, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the 12 suspects were apprehended after a “coordinated, intelligence-driven investigation” conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department and the FCT Command.
“Following the gruesome murder of Arise News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and one security personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, through a meticulous operation, has arrested 12 suspects directly linked to the robbery and homicide,” Hundeyin said.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects were tracked through forensic analysis, surveillance footage, and intelligence gathered from informants within the capital.
He noted that several incriminating items, including firearms, mobile phones, laptops, and cash believed to have been stolen from the victims, were recovered from the suspects.
Hundeyin further revealed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and to establish possible connections with similar robbery attacks reported in the city in recent months.
He assured the public that justice would be served, reiterating the Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists and residents in the FCT.
“No crime will go unpunished. The Nigeria Police is determined to bring every individual involved in this heinous act to justice,” Hundeyin added.
The remains of Maduagwu and Danlami were earlier laid to rest in their respective hometowns amid tributes from family, colleagues, and media practitioners, who have continued to call for stronger protection for journalists across Nigeria.
