Odita Sunday 
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned eleven suspects before the FCT High Court sitting in Jabi over the gruesome murder of ARISE News anchor, reporter and producer, Barrister Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Mr. Barnabas Danlami.
The suspects were docked on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, in connection with the deadly robbery attack that occurred at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Mabushi, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the suspects were arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.
According to her, the arraignment followed months of painstaking investigation by detectives of the Command to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shocking killings.
“The FCT Police Command today, 21st January 2026, arraigned eleven suspects before the FCT High Court sitting in Jabi, linked to the murder of Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, Esq., of ARISE News, and Mr. Barnabas Danlami,” Adeh stated.
She explained that the victims were killed during a robbery incident at their residence, describing the crime as one that shook the conscience of residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
Adeh disclosed that those arraigned include Shamsu Hassan, Sani Sirajo, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Abdulsalam Saleh, Suleiman Badamasi, Zaharadeen Mohammed, Musa Umar, also known as “Small,” Mashkur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.
She added that all the suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges read against them in open court.
The police spokesperson said the trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 2026 for continuation of hearing and further proceedings.
“The charges preferred against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder,” Adeh said.
She assured residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring justice for the slain journalist and the security guard.
Adeh urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support policing efforts by providing timely information on suspicious activities.
“The Command encourages residents to promptly report suspicious persons or packages through our emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, or CRU FCT: 08107314192,” she added.
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