The Nigeria Police have arrested twelve members of an armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the violent attack that led to the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, in Abuja.

According to a police statement, the suspects were apprehended following a series of coordinated intelligence operations and digital tracking of mobile phones stolen during the robbery incident.

The suspects were identified as:

1. Shamsudeen Hassan (male), from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
2. Hassan Isah (male), 22, from Zaria, Kaduna State
3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba (male), 27, from Musawa LGA, Katsina State
4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume (male), 20, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba (male), 28, from Igabi LGA, Kaduna State
6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule (male), 21, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
7. Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (male), from Katsina LGA, Katsina State
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska (male), 23, from Chikun LGA, Kaduna State
9. Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan (male), 30, from Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State
10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby (female), 27, from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State
11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati (male), 25, from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
12. Musa Umar a.k.a. Small (male), 31, from Maiduguri LGA, Borno State

Police sources revealed that four suspects — Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice — were initially arrested through the tracking of stolen phones.

During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan reportedly confessed to shooting the security guard who attempted to stop the gang from gaining entry into the apartment. Sani Sirajo admitted that he tried to hold the victim, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.

Shamsudeen also confessed to driving away the stolen white Honda CR-V after the operation. The suspects further revealed that each member received ₦200,000 as their share of the proceeds.

Recovered exhibits include:

One fabricated AK-47 rifle

Thirty-six rounds of 9mm live ammunition

One locally made pistol

One pump-action gun

Two live cartridges

Four mobile phones belonging to the victims

Two sharp knives and a cutlass

Nine torchlights used during the operation

In a follow-up operation on October 8, 2025, acting on a tip-off and digital intelligence, police operatives intercepted the remaining gang members — including Musa Umar a.k.a. Small and Hassan Isah — while they were en route to another planned robbery in Maitama, Abuja.

All the suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the Gishiri robbery and other related crimes. The police said investigations are ongoing and assured the public that justice will be served.