Arrests Made in Connection with Journalist’s Death
In a significant development in the case surrounding the tragic death of ARISE News journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Mr. Maxwell Ejeh, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and member of the CID-FCT Command Scorpion Squad, testified about recent arrests linked to the incident. Ejeh provided this information during proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday, acting as the Third Prosecution Witness (PW3).
Details of the Robbery Incident
The fatal incident that claimed Ms. Maduagwu’s life occurred during a robbery at her residence in Unique Estate, Katampe, Abuja, last year. Witness testimonies reveal that the investigation led to the apprehension of several suspects, starting with Shams Hassan, who allegedly fled to Zaria shortly after the robbery on September 30.
Cooperation from Arrested Suspects
During his testimony, Ejeh stated that Hassan confessed to his involvement in the crime upon his arrest and expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities. In a bid to reveal the locations of other gang members, he named one Sani Suraho, currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Gosa along Airport Road in Abuja.
Suraho’s Reaction to Law Enforcement
According to Ejeh, Suraho was visibly shocked to encounter officers from the Scorpion Squad during his treatment. He too indicated a willingness to assist law enforcement in identifying his accomplices involved in the robbery.
Trial Postponement
Importantly, ASP Ejeh’s testimony did not progress to cross-examination due to a request from Denis Abu, the attorney representing the seventh to eleventh defendants. Abu sought permission from Judge Mohamed Idris for a medical examination, resulting in the postponement of the cross-examination until Thursday, April 23.
Criminal Charges Filed by Police
At the start of the trial, prosecutors outlined that they would be presenting two witnesses. The FCT Commissioner of Police has formally charged 11 individuals with conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder related to the violent incident that occurred on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in Katampe, which led to the fatalities of Maduagwu and a security guard named Barnabas Danlami.
Witness Testimonies and Identification Challenges
The trial, which began on February 10, 2026, faced initial delays due to the defendants’ absence and other procedural issues. The first two prosecution witnesses, Sani Yusuf, a civil engineer and former resident of Unique Apartments, and Fatou Tobolte, another former resident, recounted details of the incident, noting that masked attackers stormed the apartment. Both witnesses struggled to identify any of the eleven defendants, who were also masked at the time of the assault.
List of Defendants
The defendants include Shams Hassan, Sani Suraho, Hassan Isa, Abubakar Arkam, Abdulsalam Saleh, and Suleiman Badamosi, alongside Zaradine Mohammed, Musa Umar “Aka” Small, Masikul Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
