Late Somotochukwu Maduagwu
The Nigeria Police have narrated how they tracked and arrested suspects linked to the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, during an Abuja robbery incident.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday at the FCT High Court in Jabi, a prosecution witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police Maxwell Eje, told the court that investigations led to the arrest of the first suspect, Shamsu Hassan, who fled to Zaria after the attack on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe.
According to Eje, Hassan was apprehended the following day and reportedly confessed, providing key information that led to the arrest of other members of the gang.
One of the suspects, Sani Surajo, was later tracked to a hospital in Gosa along Airport Road, where he was receiving treatment.
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The police witness added that Surajo initially appeared shocked upon seeing operatives but later cooperated with investigators, offering further details that aided the operation.
However, proceedings were stalled as defence counsel requested permission to attend to a medical appointment. Justice Mohammed Idris subsequently adjourned the case to April 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing and cross-examination.
The defendants are facing charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder following the incident that claimed the lives of Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.
The trial, which began in February 2026, continues as the prosecution prepares to call more witnesses.
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