FCT Police arraign 11 suspects over murder of ARISE News Journalist, Security Guard

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned 11 suspects before the FCT High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja, in connection with the murder of Barrister Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, a journalist with ARISE News, and a security guard, Mr Barnabas Danlami.

The suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, over their alleged involvement in the deadly robbery attack that occurred at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, on September 29, 2025.

Maduagwu, an Anchor, Reporter and Producer with ARISE News, was killed alongside Danlami during the incident, which sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over security in Abuja.

Those arraigned before the court are Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (also known as “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.

According to the police, the defendants are facing a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.

After their arraignment, the trial court adjourned the matter to February 2026 for further proceedings.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the police urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or items.

She advised members of the public to contact the police through the command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU FCT: 08107314192.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and maintaining public safety across the capital city.