One of the suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome robbery and death of Arise TV reporter, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, has claimed he tried to save her from falling off her apartment balcony but could not because “she was too heavy.”
The suspect, identified as Sani Sirajo, was among the 12-man gang arrested by the police for their alleged involvement in the violent robbery that led to the journalist’s death on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe, Abuja.
According to preliminary police findings, the gang invaded the apartment complex around 3:30 a.m., killing the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, before proceeding to rob residents at gunpoint. During the chaos, Somtochukwu reportedly fell from her third-floor apartment in a desperate attempt to escape.
Speaking during interrogation, Sirajo alleged that he tried to prevent her fall:
“She panicked and ran toward the balcony. I tried to hold her hand, but she slipped. I couldn’t hold on; she was too heavy,” he confessed.
The FCT Police Command confirmed that a team led by ACP Victor Godfrey tracked down the suspects using digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC. The team traced mobile phones stolen from the crime scene, leading to the initial arrest of four suspects — including Sirajo (20), Alkamu, and Shamsudeen Hassan, all from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.
Further investigations and confessions from the arrested suspects reportedly led police operatives to another group who were planning a separate operation in Maitama. Those subsequently apprehended included Hassan Isah (22) from Zaria, Kaduna State; Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba (27) from Musawa, Katsina State; Mashkur Jamilu (28) from Igabi, Kaduna State; Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (21) from Malumfashi; Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu from Katsina LGA; Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (23) from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State; Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (30) from Malumfashi; Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (27) from Sammaka, Kaduna State; Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (25) from Zaria; and Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (31) from Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a chilling confession, Shamsudeen Hassan admitted to shooting the security guard who attempted to resist their entry, adding that he also drove away the white Honda CR-V belonging to the deceased journalist.
The suspects reportedly shared ₦200,000 each from the robbery proceeds. Recovered items from the gang included nine torchlights used during the operation and one AK-47 rifle later found hidden near Zuma Rock.
The FCT Police Command stated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to recover more stolen property and bring all those involved to justice.
