Murder of ARISE News Journalist: FCT Police arraign 11 suspects in court

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

The suspects were brought before the FCT High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, over their alleged involvement in the deadly robbery incident that occurred at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, on September 29, 2025.

Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was an Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with ARISE News, was reportedly killed alongside Danlami during the attack, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.

According to the police, the eleven suspects arraigned in 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.

They were charged on nine counts, including criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The court has adjourned the case to February 2026 for further hearing.

The FCT Police Command used the occasion to urge residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or packages within their communities. Members of the public were advised to contact the police through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU FCT: 08107314192.