Police Parade Suspects in Arise TV Anchor’s Murder, Trace Gun Suppliers to Niger Republic

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Nigeria Police Force has paraded nine suspects in connection with the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who briefed journalists in Abuja on Saturday, said investigators have uncovered credible leads on the gun suppliers who armed the suspects and have traced their networks to locations in Niger Republic.

According to him, “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."

Furthermore, he explained that the police recovered several weapons and items from the suspects, including 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.

The suspects arrested are 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).

Three were reportedly receiving treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during their arrest.

Hundeyin disclosed that police investigations revealed Shamsudeen Hassan fired the shot that killed security guard Barnabas Danlami during the robbery that also claimed Maduagwu’s life.

He explained that the police decided to parade the suspects despite its usual policy against such public displays because of the huge public interest surrounding the case.

“In case you are wondering why we are parading these suspects, despite our standard policy on not parading suspects, it is because this is a public interest story. We would like Nigerians to see that the Nigeria Police Force delivered on its promise to get these suspects arrested,” he said.

Hundeyin assured that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are concluded, stressing that the Force remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims.

“It doesn’t stop there. These suspects will definitely be prosecuted as soon as we wrap up our investigation. Justice must be served. Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami must get justice this time,” he added.

He commended the efforts of operatives under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to use all available resources to safeguard citizens, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid police operations.

OTN News observes that the Saturday’s parade marks a major breakthrough in the investigation, which has drawn national attention to the growing insecurity in the capital and the proliferation of illegal arms across Nigeria’s borders.