Ten days after the tragic death of Arise Television journalist and producer, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, police authorities have confirmed the arrest of twelve suspects linked to the robbery that claimed her life.
Somtochukwu, fondly called Sommie by colleagues and friends, was killed in the early hours of September 29 when armed robbers broke into her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. The attack also claimed the life of a private security guard who was on duty that night.
In a statement released on Thursday, the police announced that the suspects had confessed to the crime following an intensive investigation.
How They Were Caught
According to the police, four suspects were apprehended soon after the incident through the tracking of mobile phones stolen from the scene. Their arrest reportedly led investigators to other members of the gang.
One of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, admitted to shooting the security guard after he tried to stop them from entering the compound. Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, claimed he had tried to stop Sommie from falling from the building during the chaos but couldn’t hold her due to her weight.
List of the Arrested Suspects
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Shamsudeen Hassan, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
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Hassan Isah, 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State
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Abubakar Alkamu (a.k.a. Abba), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State
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Sani Sirajo (a.k.a. Dan Borume), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
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Mashkur Jamilu (a.k.a. Abba), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State
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Suleiman Badamasi (a.k.a. Dan-Sule), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
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Abdul Salam Saleh (a.k.a. Na-Durudu), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State
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Zaharadeen Muhammad (a.k.a. Gwaska), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
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Musa Adamu (a.k.a. Musa Hassan), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
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Sumayya Mohammed (a.k.a. Baby), 27, from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State
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Isah Abdulrahman (a.k.a. Abbati), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
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Musa Umar (a.k.a. Small), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State
A Painful Loss
Somtochukwu’s death has left a deep void in the media community. Colleagues at Arise TV have continued to pay tribute to her professionalism, warmth, and passion for journalism.
The investigation, according to the police, remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure justice for Somtochukwu and her family.
