An FCT court has arraigned 11 suspects over the Arise News journalist murder of Somtochukwu Maduagwu during a robbery in Abuja

An FCT court on Wednesday arraigned eleven suspects in connection with the Arise News journalist murder of Somtochukwu Maduagwu and the killing of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery attack in Abuja.

Also read: 12 Arrested in Robbery That Killed Arise News Anchor

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the arraignment in a statement, saying the defendants were charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.

Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an anchor, reporter and producer with Arise News, was killed alongside Danlami during the attack on Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, Mabushi, in the early hours of September 29, 2025.

The suspects arraigned are 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.

According to the police, the suspects were docked on a nine count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and murder, arising from the violent operation that left the 29 year old journalist dead.

At the time of the incident, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, said officers found Maduagwu unconscious at the scene and rushed her to Maitama General Hospital, where efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. He described the killing as cruel and senseless.

Police investigations revealed that the robbery syndicate allegedly sourced its weapons from an arms dealer operating across the Nigeria Niger border.

Several items were recovered, including firearms, ammunition and personal belongings traced to the victims.

The suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in other robbery operations across parts of the Federal Capital Territory, strengthening the prosecution’s case in what investigators described as a coordinated criminal network.

Arise Television had earlier described Maduagwu as intelligent and bold, noting that she used her platform to advocate for out of school children and campaign against sexual and gender based violence, a legacy that has continued to draw public outrage and calls for justice.

The court adjourned the case to February 2026 for further proceedings, as the prosecution prepares to open what observers say could be a decisive trial in the Arise News journalist murder case.

Also read: ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu killed in Abuja armed robbery

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to preventing violent crimes.