How Nigerian Police Cyber Intelligence Unmasked and Nabbed the ARISE TV Staff Killers

Nigerian Police Force cracked the case of the tragic murder of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami. Using advanced cyber intelligence and digital tracking, authorities arrested 12 suspects, bringing swift justice to a crime that shocked the nation. This story highlights the evolving role of technology in combating crime in Nigeria, offering hope amid rising insecurity.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command showcased the power of cyber intelligence in solving high-profile crimes. On September 29, 2025, armed robbers invaded Maduagwu's apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja, around 3:30 a.m. The 29-year-old Arise TV anchor, known as Sommtochukwu or Sommie, jumped from the third floor in a desperate escape attempt, leading to her death. Security guard Barnabas Danlami was fatally shot during the attack.

Police responded to a distress call, rushing Maduagwu to Maitama General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The robbers fled with valuables, including her white Honda CR-V and mobile phones. This theft proved pivotal, as stolen devices became the key to unraveling the gang's operations through digital forensics.

How Cyber Intelligence Led to Arrest of Arise TV Killers

Cyber intelligence played a central role in tracking the perpetrators. The Scorpion Squad, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Victor O. Godfrey, utilized phone signal tracing and reconstructive intelligence from Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB Stratoc. By monitoring signals from the stolen phones, investigators pinpointed the suspects' locations, leading to initial arrests.

Four suspects were apprehended first: Shamsudeen Hassan, Abubakar Alkamu (alias Abba), Sani Sirajo (alias Dan Borume), and one other. Their capture stemmed directly from digital trails left by the pilfered devices. Interrogations revealed gang hideouts, enabling further raids.

On October 8, 2025, eight more suspects were nabbed while plotting another robbery in Maitama. This preemptive strike demonstrated proactive use of intelligence gathered from initial confessions and ongoing digital surveillance.

Suspects Confess in Arise TV Staff Killers Arrest

Confessions poured in during custody, painting a grim picture of the crime. Shamsudeen Hassan admitted to shooting Danlami as the guard resisted entry. Sani Sirajo claimed he attempted to grab Maduagwu as she fell but failed. All 12 suspects confessed to sharing N200,000 each from robbery proceeds.

The gang, hailing mostly from Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno states, included: Hassan Isah (22, Zaria), Mashkur Jamilu (28, Igabi), Suleiman Badamasi (21, Malumfashi), Abdul Salam Saleh (Katsina), Zaharadeen Muhammad (23, Chikun), Musa Adamu (30, Malumfashi), Sumayya Mohammed (27, Sammaka), Isah Abdulrahman (25, Zaria), and Musa Umar (31, Maiduguri).

Recovered items underscored their armament: a fabricated AK-47 rifle with 36 rounds, a pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, two cartridges, four victim phones, knives, a cutlass, and nine torchlights.

Role of NFSS in Nigerian Police Arrest of Arise TV Killers

Collaboration extended to the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS), formerly Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service. NFSS operatives assisted in mounting checkpoints near crime scenes in Zuba, leading to a chase and capture of a gang driver after two prior hotel attacks.

Assistant Commander General Abdulhakeem Ibrahim highlighted synergy: "Police cannot do without us, and we cannot do without the police." NFSS's grassroots intelligence complemented police cyber efforts, recovering an AK-47, pump-action gun, and Beretta pistol from hideouts. This partnership exemplifies integrated security approaches in Nigeria.

Presidential Directive Boosts Cyber Intelligence in Arise TV Case

President Bola Tinubu's directive to security agencies accelerated the probe. His call for swift action mobilized resources, emphasizing technology in crime-fighting. FCT Police Commissioner Adewale commended the squad, assuring continued operations against violent crime.

This high-level involvement underscores national commitment to journalist safety and urban security, amid outrage over Abuja's rising robberies and kidnappings.