The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arraigned eleven suspects before a court for their alleged involvement in the murder of an ARISE News staffer and a security guard. The suspects are linked to the killings of Barrister Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, an Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, during a robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development in a statement. The suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, on a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. The arraigned individuals are Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar (aka “Small”), Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.

Adeh stated that the case has been adjourned until February 2026 for further proceedings. The police spokesperson also urged the public to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities. “The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or packages through the Command’s emergency lines,” the statement read.

Reiterating the commitment to public safety, Josephine Adeh provided the emergency contact numbers as 08032003913, 08028940883, and the CRU FCT line 08107314192.