Funeral arrangements have been announced for the late ARISE News Channel anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, who tragically lost her life during a robbery incident in Abuja on September 29. The rites will commence on October 12 with a Night of Tributes at THISDAY Dome, Abuja, beginning at 6 p.m.
A Service of Songs will follow on October 15 at Corpus Christi Cathedral on Kaduna Street, Port Harcourt, while her final interment will take place on October 18 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Agulu, Anambra State, after a Funeral Service scheduled for 11 a.m.
As preparations for her burial continue, security operatives have announced significant progress in the investigation into the robbery that led to her death. The Defence Headquarters confirmed on Wednesday that 12 suspects had been arrested in connection with the armed robbery that claimed the lives of Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja.
According to the security report, the arrests followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, FCT, to track down those responsible for the deadly incident. The breakthrough came through digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC, which aided the Scorpion Squad led by ACP Victor Godfrey in tracing and apprehending the suspects.
Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Hassan Isah (Zaria, Kaduna State); Abubakar Alkamu, a.k.a. Abba (Musawa LGA, Katsina State); and Sani Sirajo, a.k.a. Dan Borume (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State). Others are Mashkur Jamilu, a.k.a. Abba (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State); Suleiman Badamasi, a.k.a. Dan-Sule (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Abdul Salam Saleh, a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State); Zaharadeen Muhammad, a.k.a. Gwaska (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State); Musa Adamu, a.k.a. Musa Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State); Sumayya Mohammed, a.k.a. Baby (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State); Isah Abdulrahman, a.k.a. Abbati (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State); and Musa Umar, a.k.a. Small (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).
Investigators disclosed that four of the suspects—Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, and another accomplice—were first apprehended through tracking of mobile phones stolen from the victims during the robbery. During interrogation, Shamsudeen reportedly confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when he tried to stop the intruders.
He also admitted to driving away in the victims’ white Honda CR-V after the attack, while each of the four initial suspects confirmed receiving ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime.
Recovered items from the suspects include one fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, four mobile phones belonging to the victims, two sharp knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights used during the operation.
Further arrests were made on October 8, when the remaining members of the gang were intercepted en route to another planned armed robbery in Maitama, Abuja. The authorities confirmed that all suspects had confessed to their involvement, while efforts continue to track down additional accomplices still at large.
The tragic death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu — remembered by colleagues and viewers as a talented journalist and vibrant media personality — continues to draw tributes across the country. Her funeral rites are expected to bring together members of the media community, family, and friends in honour of her brief but impactful life.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
