Eleven suspects linked to the brutal murder of Arise News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami have been arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory court.
The suspects—charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder—include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (“Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
Maduagwu, 29, and Danlami were killed during a predawn raid at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
Investigations revealed that the suspects obtained firearms from a dealer across the Nigeria–Niger border and confessed to multiple armed robberies across the FCT.
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Items recovered included a fabricated AK-47, live ammunition, knives, and mobile phones belonging to victims.
Arise News described Maduagwu as “intelligent, bold, and dedicated,” highlighting her advocacy for out-of-school children and campaigns against sexual and gender-based violence.
The case has been adjourned to February 2026 for further proceedings. Police have urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity through the FCT Command’s emergency lines.