Police Trace Gun Suppliers Behind Killing of Arise News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu

The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered credible leads on the gun suppliers linked to the suspects allegedly responsible for the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command had earlier arrested 12 suspects connected to the September 29, 2025, robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were shot dead.

Investigations revealed that the gang sourced their weapons from a supplier based in Niger Republic. Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).

Providing an update on Saturday while parading nine of the suspects in Abuja, Force spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said investigators had identified some of the gunrunners’ locations and were closing in on arrests.

“We are yet to apprehend the gun suppliers, but we have credible leads we are actively pursuing. We already know the locations of some of these individuals and will provide further updates as progress is made,” Hundeyin stated.

He confirmed that the police recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two knives, one cutlass, and two flashlights from the suspects.

According to him, nine suspects are currently in custody, while three others are receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during their arrest.

“Our investigation has revealed that Shamsudeen Hassan was the suspect who fired the shot that killed Mr. Barnabas Danlami,” he added.

Hundeyin explained that the police chose to parade the suspects despite its usual policy against doing so, citing significant public interest in the case.

“This case has captured the nation’s attention, and it is important that Nigerians see that the Police Force has kept its word by bringing these suspects to justice,” he said.

He assured that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are completed.

“These suspects will definitely be charged to court when investigations are concluded. Justice must be served. Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami will get justice this time,” he reaffirmed.

Hundeyin further noted that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Force would continue deploying all available resources to safeguard lives and property. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement with credible information.

Saturday’s development marks a significant breakthrough in the case, which has drawn nationwide concern over the rise of violent crime and the proliferation of illegal arms across Nigeria’s borders.