Police Uncover Gun Suppliers Linked to Killing of Arise News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu
The Nigeria Police Force has announced major progress in its investigation into the killing of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, revealing that credible leads have been uncovered on the gun suppliers who armed the suspects behind the attack.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command had earlier arrested 12 suspects in connection with the September 29, 2025 robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were brutally killed.
According to police findings, the gang sourced their weapons from a network of smugglers operating between Niger Republic and northern Nigeria. 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).
While briefing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigators had already identified the locations of some of the arms suppliers and assured Nigerians that arrests would follow soon.
“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 in our subsequent updates, we will be able to tell you how far we have come,” Hundeyin stated.
Recovered items from the suspects include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one 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 revealed that nine of the suspects are currently in custody, while three others are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during arrest operations.
He also confirmed that Shamsudeen Hassan was identified as the suspect who fired the shot that killed security guard Barnabas Danlami during the robbery.
Explaining the reason for parading the suspects publicly, Hundeyin said the move was taken due to intense public interest in the case. “This case is of national concern, and Nigerians deserve to see that the police kept their promise to apprehend those responsible,” he said.
He added that all suspects will be prosecuted once investigations are concluded, stressing that justice must prevail for Maduagwu and Danlami.
“It doesn’t stop there. These suspects will definitely be prosecuted as soon as we wrap up our investigation. Justice must be served. Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami must get justice this time,” Hundeyin declared.
The Force reaffirmed that under the leadership of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, it remains committed to deploying all available intelligence and operational resources to protect lives and property. Citizens were also urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information that could aid ongoing investigations.
Saturday’s parade represents a major breakthrough in a case that has sparked national outrage and reignited discussions on illegal arms trafficking and rising insecurity across Nigeria’s capital.
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