The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned eleven suspects before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in connection with the killing of Arise News journalist Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and a security guard during a robbery attack in Abuja. The arraignment took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The suspects appeared before Justice Mohammed Idris on a nine-count charge that includes criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder arising from the incident at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi area of the FCT on September 29, 2025.
According to the police, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Those arraigned include 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.
The FCT Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the matter has been adjourned to February 2026 for continuation of court proceedings.
Maduagwu, a reporter, anchor and producer with ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami, a security guard, were killed during the early-morning armed robbery at the residential complex. Police investigations linked the suspects to the attack following intelligence-led operations across multiple states.
The police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements or items through the command’s emergency lines as investigations and security efforts continue.
The killing of Maduagwu and Danlami sparked widespread concern over residential security in the FCT, prompting intensified police action and demands for accountability from civil society and media stakeholders.
The court’s adjourned hearing in February will allow prosecution and defence to present further documentation and statements as required under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and related legal procedures.
