One of the suspects arrested in connection with the death of Arise TV news anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, has allegedly confessed that he tried to prevent her from jumping from a three-storey building during an armed robbery in Abuja.
According to a statement released by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Thursday, the suspect, Sani Sirajo, claimed he held onto the journalist in a desperate attempt to stop her from falling but was “overwhelmed by her weight.”
The confession followed the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the September 29 armed robbery at Unique Apartments, a 16-flat building in the Katampe area of Abuja. The violent attack resulted in the deaths of Sommie Maduagwu and Barnabas Danlami, a security guard on duty that night.
According to police findings, about 15 heavily armed men stormed the building. The security guard was shot dead after attempting to stop the intruders, while Maduagwu reportedly jumped from the building during the chaos.
Police spokesperson ACP Josephine Adeh said that the suspects were tracked and arrested through mobile devices stolen from the victims.
“During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment,” the statement read.
“Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight.”
Authorities also confirmed the recovery of several weapons and stolen items, including a fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, 36 rounds of live ammunition, and four mobile phones belonging to the victims.
Police said the suspects admitted to selling off some of the stolen property and sharing the proceeds.
“Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white Honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime,” the statement added.
The tragic death of Sommie Maduagwu, known for her charisma and professionalism on Arise News, has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures in residential areas across Abuja.
