The 12 suspects paraded by the Police in Abuja on Saturday
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has uncovered credible leads on the gun suppliers who armed the gang accused of killing Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
The development follows the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the September 29, 2025, robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami were killed. Investigations revealed that the gang sourced their weapons from a supplier in Niger Republic.
Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).
Parading nine of the suspects in Abuja on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said investigators had located some of the arms dealers linked to the gang.
“We are yet to arrest a suspect in that regard, but we have very credible leads we are working on. We already know the location of some of the gunrunners and suppliers, and we assure Nigerians that arrests will be made soon,” he said.
Recovered items include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two knives, a cutlass, and two flashlights.
Hundeyin confirmed that nine suspects are in custody, while three others are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during their arrest. He added that Shamsudeen Hassan fired the shot that killed Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
He explained that the police decided to parade the suspects due to public interest, despite standard rules against such displays.
“This case has drawn public attention. Nigerians deserve to see that the Police Force kept its promise to arrest those responsible,” Hundeyin said.
The police officer assured that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations conclude.
“Justice must be served. Ms. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami will get justice this time,” he vowed, reaffirming the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy all resources necessary to ensure public safety.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible information. (The Guardian, but headline rejigged)
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