Daud Olatunji
Fresh details have emerged about the death of Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, who died during a violent armed robbery attack at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Thursday disclosed that one of the arrested suspects, Sani Sirajo, confessed to attempting to hold the deceased journalist from falling off the storey building but was overpowered by her weight.
Maduagwu reportedly plunged from the third floor of Unique Apartments, a 16-flat building, on September 29, during an attack by about 15 armed men, which also claimed the life of a security guard identified as Barnabas Danlami.
According to a police statement, 12 suspects linked to the robbery and killings have been arrested.
The police said Sirajo’s confession came during interrogation, while another suspect, Shamsudeen Hassan, admitted to shooting the security guard when he attempted to prevent their entry into the compound.
“Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight,” the police said.
“Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he tried to stop them from gaining access to the apartment,” the statement added.
The police further revealed that four of the suspects were tracked and arrested through stolen mobile phones recovered from the victims.
Recovered items included a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 36 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a locally made pistol, a pump-action gun, two live cartridges, and four mobile phones belonging to the victims.
The police also disclosed that one of the suspects, Hassan, confessed to driving the stolen white Honda CR-V jeep belonging to a resident away from the crime scene.
Each of the suspects allegedly received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the operation.
The tragic incident has sparked nationwide grief, with colleagues and friends mourning the late journalist, who was widely praised for her professionalism and vibrant on-air presence.
Police authorities assured that investigations are ongoing and that all those connected to the heinous crime will face prosecution.
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