By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigeria Police Force says it has uncovered credible leads on the gun suppliers who armed the gang responsible for the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
The discovery follows the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the September 29, 2025, robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, lost their lives.
According to police investigations, the armed gang allegedly sourced its weapons from a supplier based in the Niger Republic.
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).
Parading nine of the suspects before journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police had located some of the arms dealers linked to the gang.
“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 arrests will be made soon,” Hundeyin said.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a 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 disclosed that nine suspects are currently in custody, while three others are receiving medical treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during their arrest. He added that preliminary findings revealed that Shamsudeen Hassan fired the fatal shot that killed Mr. Danlami.
Explaining the decision to parade the suspects, Hundeyin said the police made an exception to standard practice due to widespread public interest in the case.
“This case has drawn public attention. Nigerians deserve to see that the Police Force kept its promise to arrest those responsible,” he said.
He assured that all suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.
“Justice must be served. Miss. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami will get justice this time,” he vowed, reaffirming the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s, commitment to ensuring justice and public safety.
Hundeyin also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support ongoing police operations.
