Police Arraign 11 Suspects for Alleged Murder of Arise TV Journalist, Security Guard
Police Arraign 11 Suspects for Alleged Murder of Arise TV Journalist, Security Guard
The FCT Police Command has arraigned 11 suspects for the murder of Arise News journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami.
The group faces a nine-count charge, including conspiracy and armed robbery, following a violent raid at an Abuja apartment complex.
The attack occurred on September 29, 2025, when armed robbers stormed the Katampe Extension apartments, robbing residents from flat to flat. Maduagwu was found unconscious at the scene and was later pronounced dead at Maitama General Hospital despite emergency medical efforts.
Police investigations revealed the syndicate sourced firearms from a dealer at the Nigeria-Niger border.
During the arrests, authorities recovered a fabricated AK-47, a pump-action gun, ammunition, and various stolen items, including the victims’ mobile phones.
The suspects confessed to several other robberies across the FCT, including attacks at hotels in Apo and Zuba. Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale condemned the killings as “cruel and senseless,” vowing that such violence will not be tolerated in society.
Arise TV honored Maduagwu as a bold and intelligent journalist who used her legal background to advocate for social justice.
A former beauty queen and international representative, her case has now been adjourned until February 2026 for further legal proceedings.
