Abuja, Nigeria — Twelve individuals have been apprehended by police in connection with a violent robbery that resulted in the deaths of two people at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District. The incident, which occurred on September 29, claimed the lives of Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a staff member of Arise News, and a security guard named Barnabas Danlami.
In the wake of the brutal attack, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command launched an extensive investigation, ultimately resulting in the arrests. The operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor Godfrey and supported by digital and forensic analyses from Giga Forensics, has focused on tracking down those involved.
Among the suspects arrested are Shamsudeen Hassan, 24, from Katsina State; Hassan Isah, 22, from Kaduna State; and Abubakar Alkamu, 27, also from Katsina. Additionally, several others connected to the crime were taken into custody, highlighting the police’s concerted effort to dismantle the group responsible.
Initial investigations revealed that four members of the gang were caught shortly after the robbery through meticulous phone tracking. Eight more suspects were apprehended on October 8 in Maitama, where they were allegedly preparing for yet another heist.
During questioning, Hassan admitted to shooting the security guard, while another suspect, Sani Sirajo, claimed he tried to prevent Maduagwu from falling off a three-story building during the robbery. The gang allegedly made off with a white Honda CR-V and divided N200,000 among themselves.
Law enforcement officials recovered several items linked to the crime, including a converted AK-47, multiple rounds of ammunition, a homemade pistol, and several stolen mobile phones. These findings form part of a larger collection of evidence that police are documenting as they continue to investigate the syndicate.
Authorities have stated that efforts are ongoing to locate additional members of the group, as well as to connect them to other criminal activities. Recovered material, including a firearm discovered near Zuma Rock, is being carefully cataloged for further analysis.
As the investigation progresses, police have refrained from releasing images of the suspects to avoid jeopardizing ongoing operations. This case serves as a grim reminder of the persistent security challenges facing various communities across Nigeria.