Fresh details have emerged following the arrest of suspected armed robbers linked to the brutal killing of Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, whose death on September 29, 2025, shocked Nigeria’s media community.
The journalist was reportedly killed during a violent robbery attack at her residence in Katampe Extension, Abuja, a tragedy that also claimed the life of her security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
Police Confirm Arrest of 12 Suspects
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects believed to be connected to the crime.
According to police sources, the arrests followed an intensive manhunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police, who directed special units to track down those responsible for the deadly robbery.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the robbery and murder, admitting that they stole a white Honda CR-V SUV belonging to one of the victims. Investigators disclosed that each gang member received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.
Arise Television, confirming the confessions, reported that the suspects “also confessed to stealing and driving away a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims and shared ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.”
Nationwide Outrage Over the Killing
The revelation has sparked nationwide outrage, with Nigerians expressing anger and disbelief over the senseless murder of the young journalist.
Social media users, journalists, and human rights advocates have flooded online platforms with calls for swift prosecution of the suspects and enhanced protection for media professionals and residents in Abuja’s upscale districts — areas that have recently recorded a spike in violent crimes.
Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni Gives Update
Arise TV presenter Rufai Oseni shared updates on the ongoing investigation via his social media page on Thursday.
He revealed that the FCT Commissioner of Police had personally directed officers to pursue every lead connected to the armed robbery gang responsible for the attack.
“The Commissioner of Police in the FCT directed his men to identify and apprehend the criminal gang behind the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu and her guard. The recent arrests are part of that effort,” Oseni stated.
Tributes Pour in for the Late Journalist
Colleagues and friends have continued to pay tribute to Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her as a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose life and career were cut short by violence.
“Somto’s death is not just a personal loss to Arise TV — it’s a national tragedy,” one of her colleagues said. “She represented everything good about the new generation of Nigerian journalists — courageous, principled, and deeply passionate about her work.”
Rising Insecurity in Abuja
The incident has reignited concerns over rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory. Despite increased police patrols, residents of Katampe Extension and surrounding communities continue to report frequent cases of armed robbery, burglary, and kidnappings.
Security experts have called on the government to adopt a coordinated approach to combating urban crime, emphasizing intelligence-led policing, community collaboration, and rapid response strategies.
Meanwhile, police authorities have vowed that all accomplices involved in the murder of the journalist and her guard will be brought to justice as investigations continue.
