Arise News anchor’s death: Police launch manhunt for arms dealer
Arise News anchor’s death: Police launch manhunt for arms dealer
The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that it has uncovered credible intelligence on the gun suppliers who provided weapons to the suspects allegedly involved in the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
Earlier, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command announced 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.
Investigations indicate that the gang obtained their firearms from a supplier based in 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).
Giving an update on Saturday while parading nine of the suspects in Abuja, Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigators had identified the locations of some of the gunrunners linked to the gang and would soon make arrests.
“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 in our subsequent updates, we will be able to tell you how far we have come,” Hundeyin said.
He said the police recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action rifle, a locally made pistol, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two knives, one cutlass, and two flashlights from the suspects.
Hundeyin disclosed that nine of the suspects are currently in police custody, while three others are receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during their arrest.
“Our investigation revealed that Shamsudeen Hassan was the suspect who fired the shot that killed Mr. Barnabas Danlami,” he stated.
He explained that the police decided to parade the suspects, despite the usual policy against doing so, due to the significant public interest surrounding the case.
“In case you’re wondering why we are parading these suspects despite our standard policy, it’s because this case has drawn national attention. We want Nigerians to see that the Nigeria Police Force has fulfilled its promise to apprehend those responsible,” Hundeyin said.
He assured that the suspects would face prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
“This is not the end. These suspects will be prosecuted as soon as we complete our investigation. Justice will be served for Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami,” he added.
Hundeyin also reaffirmed that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Force remains committed to using every available resource to protect citizens, urging the public to stay vigilant and provide the police with credible information when necessary.
