Witness Narrates Arrest of Suspects in Arise TV Anchor Killing

Witness Narrates Arrest of Suspects in Arise TV Anchor Killing

A prosecution witness on Tuesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how police operatives tracked and arrested suspects linked to the killing of Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

The witness, Maxwell Eje, an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Scorpion Squad of the FCT Criminal Investigation Department, gave his account while testifying as the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial.

Eje said investigations commenced after a robbery incident on September 29, 2025, at Unique Apartments in the Katampe area of Abuja, where the late broadcaster resided.

According to him, the first arrest was made after police discovered that one of the suspects, Shamsu Hassan, had fled to Zaria shortly after the attack.

He told the court that Hassan later confessed to participating in the robbery and provided information that led investigators to other members of the group.

The witness further disclosed that Hassan identified another suspect, Sani Surajo, who was receiving treatment at a hospital in Gosa, along Airport Road in Abuja.

Eje said operatives traced Surajo to the hospital, where he was arrested and subsequently cooperated with investigators.

“The suspect was surprised when we arrived, but he later volunteered useful information that assisted further arrests,” the witness told the court.

He added that the chain of arrests was made possible through intelligence gathered from earlier suspects, which helped authorities widen the investigation.

Proceedings were, however, stalled before cross-examination could begin after defence counsel, Dennis Abu, sought permission to be excused on medical grounds.

The presiding judge, Mohammed Idris, granted the request and adjourned the case to April 23 for continuation of hearing.

The case arose from a deadly robbery involving about 15 armed men who invaded the residential complex in Katampe.

During the incident, Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died after reportedly jumping from the building, while a security guard identified as Danlami was shot dead.

The Nigeria Police Force has filed charges against 11 suspects in connection with the incident, bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.

At earlier sittings, other prosecution witnesses had told the court that the attackers wore masks, making it difficult to identify them.

The trial, which began in February 2026, continues as the court hears further evidence in the case.