Police confirm arrest 12 suspects in Abuja robbery that killed Arise journalist, security guard

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of twelve suspects in connection with the armed robbery incident that occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, during which two persons — Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a journalist with ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard — lost their lives.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the FCT Police Command Headquarters, Garki, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin commended the efforts of operatives of the FCT Command, who launched a swift and intelligence-driven investigation following the attack.

According to the Force, extensive digital intelligence analysis led to the arrest of the following twelve suspects:

1. Shamsudeen Hassan

2. Hassan Isah, 22

3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27

4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20

5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28

6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21

7. Abdulsalam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu

8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23

9. Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30

10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27

11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25

12. Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a locally made pistol, one pump-action gun, 36 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two sharp knives, a cutlass, and two flashlights.

Investigations revealed that the fatal shot which killed Mr. Danlami was fired by one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, who allegedly admitted shooting the guard when he attempted to block the gang’s entry into the apartment complex. The suspects reportedly sourced their weapons from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in Niger Republic and were involved in similar robberies across Katampe I, Apo, and Zuba areas of the FCT.

The Nigeria Police Force extended condolences to the families of the deceased victims and assured that justice will be served.

The Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected to the crime are prosecuted, while commending the professionalism and dedication of the FCT Command operatives whose efforts led to the arrests.

Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts in crime prevention and investigation. The Force also assured that updates would be provided as investigations progress.