Police Detail Arrests in Case of Slain ARISE TV Anchor

In a significant development at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and member of the Scorpion Squad, CID-FCT Command, Maxwell Eje, provided a detailed account of how suspects connected to the tragic death of ARISE News journalist and anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, were apprehended. Maduagwu lost her life during a robbery at her residence in Unique Estate, Katampe, Abuja, in September of the previous year.

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Upon his arrest, Hassan admitted to the crime and agreed to cooperate with the authorities to disclose the hideout of other members of his gang.

ASP Eje, testifying as the Third Prosecution Witness (PW3), explained that the investigation commenced with the arrest of Shamsu Hassan. Hassan, who had reportedly fled to Zaria after the robbery, confessed to his involvement and agreed to cooperate with authorities, leading to the identification and arrest of other gang members. The witness further disclosed that Hassan implicated Sani Surajo, who was found receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Gosa, Abuja. Surajo, upon encountering the Scorpion Squad, also agreed to provide information regarding his accomplices.

The proceedings, however, were adjourned until Thursday, April 23, to allow for the conclusion of the chief evidence presentation for the third prosecution witness and for cross-examination. Counsel for several defendants sought leave for a medical appointment, prompting the delay. The prosecution had initially indicated the availability of two witnesses for Tuesday's proceedings.

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Surajo was shocked at the sight of the security operatives of the Scorpion Squad at the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

The FCT Police Commissioner has formally charged 11 defendants with conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder in connection with the September 29, 2025 incident. The robbery resulted in the deaths of both Sommie Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami. The trial, which began on February 10, 2026, has faced previous delays. Earlier testimonies from prosecution witnesses, a civil engineer and another resident of Unique Apartments, described masked assailants raiding the premises but could not identify any of the defendants, who were also masked during the attack.

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He too agreed to cooperate and assist with useful information on the whereabouts of others who took part in the robbery.