By Correspondent, Abuja.
Late Somtochukwu Maduagwu.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 12 members of a notorious armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the violent attack that led to the death of Arise Television reporter, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by SP.Joseohine Adeh in Abuja, the Command’s Public Relations Officer,PPRO,on Thursday,the breakthrough followed a special directive by the FCT Commissioner of Police, AIG Ajao Saka Adewale, who ordered the deployment of the elite Scorpion Squad.
She said the operation, executed with the aid of digital intelligence from Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, led to the arrest of the suspects in coordinated raids across Abuja and several locations in Northern Nigeria.
The suspects, now in custody, include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu (alias Abba), Sani Sirajo (alias Dan Borume), Mashkur Jamilu, Suleiman Badamasi (alias Dan-Sule), Abdul Salam Saleh (alias Na-Durudu), Zaharadeen Muhammad (alias Gwaska), Musa Adamu (alias Musa Hassan), Sumayya Mohammed (alias Baby), Isah Abdulrahman (alias Abbati), and Musa Umar (alias Small).
The PPRO said during interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, who attempted to prevent the robbers from invading the compound in Katampe, Abuja.
Our correspondent gathered from sources that each gang member received about ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the robbery, which resulted in Sommie’s tragic death.
Further investigations confirmed that the fatal shot which claimed the life of the security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami, was fired by one of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan.
Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, claimed that he tried to stop the late journalist from falling from the building while she was attempting to escape but was overwhelmed by her weight.
The Command said that several dangerous weapons and items were recovered from the suspects, including:afabricated AK-47 rifle,36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition,locally made pistol,pump-action shotgun with two live cartridges,four mobile phones belonging to the victims and sharp knives, a cutlass, and torchlights believed to have been used during the operation
The police added that digital tracking of mobile phones stolen from the victims played a critical role in tracing and apprehending the suspects. Some members of the gang were intercepted on October 8, allegedly on their way to carry out another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.
The Command stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and their accomplices, assuring residents of Abuja that it remains committed to eradicating violent crimes in the territory and bring all those involved in Sommie’s death to justice.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP.Ajao Saka Adewale,extends his heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the late Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu and Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
“He assured that the Command remains resolute in ensuring justice will prevail and all those responsible for this grievous act are brought to justice.
“The CP commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved in the investigation and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents of the FCT.
“He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU FCT: 08107314192,”Adeh said
Our correspondent recalls that the late Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, 29, a lawyer and Arise TV journalist, died on Sept. 29 after falling from the third floor of her apartment while trying to escape armed robbers who invaded her residence in Katampe, Abuja.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
