Arise Television journalist, Rufai Oseni, has provided a detailed update on the tragic death of his late colleague, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, who was fatally attacked during a robbery at her Abuja residence, an incident that also claimed the life of the apartment’s security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami. Oseni shared the information on his social media page on Thursday, highlighting the latest progress in the ongoing investigation into the incident, which has drawn significant public attention and concern.
According to the report, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police issued a directive instructing officers to conduct an urgent and thorough manhunt to identify and apprehend the armed robbery syndicate responsible for the deadly attack. The attack took place at Unique Apartments, located in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja, on 29th September 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., leading to the tragic deaths of Ms. Maduagwu and the security guard.
Following the Commissioner’s directive, a specialized task force from the Scorpion Squad, under the leadership of ACP Victor Godfrey, executed a series of coordinated operations using advanced digital intelligence and reconstructive analysis provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB Stratoc. These efforts resulted in the successful arrest of twelve members of the armed robbery syndicate, bringing a major breakthrough to the investigation.
Twelve suspects arrested
The arrested suspects were identified as:
1. Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
2. Hassan Isah, 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State
3. Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State
4. Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
5. Mashkur Jamilu (a.k.a. Abba), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State
6. Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
7. Abdul Salam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
9. Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
10. Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), 27, from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State
11. Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
12. Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State
Confessions and recovered items
Investigators revealed that four of the suspects—Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice—were initially traced through mobile phones stolen from the apartment during the robbery. During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan admitted to fatally shooting the security guard, Mr. Danlami, when he attempted to prevent the robbers from entering the premises. Sani Sirajo confessed that he tried to restrain Ms. Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was unable to hold her due to her weight.
Shamsudeen Hassan further disclosed that he fled the scene driving the white Honda CR-V stolen during the attack. Each arrested suspect also admitted to receiving ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the robbery, providing critical insight into the syndicate’s operations and division of loot.
Recovered exhibits from the suspects include:
One fabricated AK-47 rifle
Thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition
One locally made pistol
One pump-action gun
Two live cartridges
Four mobile phones belonging to the victims
Two sharp knives
One cutlass
Nine torchlights used during the operation
Further arrests and ongoing investigation
The investigation continued on 8th October 2025, when police operatives intercepted Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), Hassan Isah, and other accomplices while they were reportedly en route to another planned robbery operation in Maitama, Abuja. All suspects have confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities, and the police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with more updates expected in due course.
Authorities have withheld photographs of the suspects to avoid compromising efforts to apprehend any remaining members of the gang who may still be at large. Recovered weapons and evidence, including a video showing the recovery of one of the AK-47 rifles near Zuma Rock, have been added to the ongoing case file to support prosecution and ensure justice for the victims of the heinous attack.
