Suspect Says He Tried To Stop Arise TV Anchor From Jumping

Police have revealed that one of the suspects linked to the death of Arise TV news anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, confessed that he tried to prevent her from jumping from a three-storey building during an armed robbery in Abuja.

The confession came after the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the violent attack that occurred on September 29 at Unique Apartments, a 16-flat building in the Katampe area of the city. The attack led to the deaths of Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, and a security guard identified as Barnabas Danlami.

According to police findings, about 15 armed men invaded the apartment complex in the early hours of that day. The robbers reportedly shot the security guard when he tried to resist them, while Maduagwu attempted to escape by jumping from the building but did not survive.

During interrogation, a suspect, Sani Sirajo, allegedly told police investigators that he had tried to hold the journalist from falling but could not sustain her weight. Another suspect, identified as Shamsudeen Hassan, reportedly admitted to shooting the security guard during the operation.

Police said the breakthrough in the case came when four of the robbers were traced and apprehended through mobile phones stolen from the victims during the attack. The arrests led to the recovery of several weapons and stolen items, including a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and four mobile phones belonging to the victims.

Investigators disclosed that the suspects also confessed to sharing the proceeds of the crime, with each receiving ₦200,000. Hassan further admitted to driving a white Honda CR-V out of the compound after the robbery.

Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members and ensure justice for the slain journalist and the security guard.