Ten days after the shocking death of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a popular news anchor and producer with Arise Television, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the armed robbery that claimed her life.
Sommie was killed in the early hours of September 29 after armed robbers invaded her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.
The incident also claimed the life of a private security guard on duty at the compound.
Police spokespersons announced the arrests on Thursday, saying the suspects had confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Four of the suspects were initially tracked down shortly after the attack through the mobile phones stolen from the scene.
One of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, reportedly confessed to shooting the security guard who tried to stop them from entering the compound.
Another, Sani Sirajo, claimed he attempted to stop Sommie from falling off a storey building during the attack but was unable to due to her weight.
The suspects, according to the police statement, include:
1. Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
2. Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State)
3. Abubakar Alkamu (Abba), 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State)
4. Sani Sirajo (Dan Borume), 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
5. Mashkur Jamilu (Abba), 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State)
6. Suleiman Badamasi (Dan-Sule), 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
7. Abdul Salam Saleh (Na-Durudu) (Katsina LGA, Katsina State)
8. Zaharadeen Muhammad (Gwaska), 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State)
9. Musa Adamu (Musa Hassan), 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
10. Sumayya Mohammed (Baby), 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State)
11. Isah Abdulrahman (Abbati), 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State)
12. Musa Umar (Small), 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State).
The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to recover any stolen property. Authorities also assured the public that justice would be served for Sommie’s killing.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread grief across Nigeria’s media community. Prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, have described Sommie as “a shining star” and called for swift prosecution of those responsible.
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