ASP Testifies Scorpion Squad Led Police to Nine Suspects in Arise Reporter Murder

TL;DR: ASP Maxwell Eje testified that Sani Surajo led a Scorpion Squad to nine other defendants linked to the murder of Arise News correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu. The FCT Police Commissioner has charged five individuals, including Alkamu, Surajo, and Isah, with nine counts of armed robbery and culpable homicide.

Context: On September 29, 2025, an armed robbery at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja, left Arise News reporter Somtochukwu Maduagwu and security guard Barnabas Danlami dead. The incident prompted a police investigation that identified a group dubbed the Scorpion Squad. ASP Maxwell Eje, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, took the stand in the FCT High Court in Jabi to detail how the squad operated.

Key Facts: Eje said Surajo contacted Abubakar Alkamu in Kano and Hassan Isah, using a phone given to him at Dei-Dei suburb to coordinate with gang members. He testified that the squad arrested the suspects, recovered daggers, and learned of additional members they worked with during robberies. The FCT Police Commissioner subsequently filed nine counts of armed robbery and culpable homicide against Alkamu, Surajo, Isah, Abdulsalam Saleh, and Shamsu Hassan. Other defendants named in the charge sheet include Suleiman Badamosi, Zaradeen Mohammed, Musa Umar, Mashikur Jamil, Suleiman Sani, and Abubakar Usman.

What It Means: The testimony links the Scorpion Squad directly to the killing of Maduagwu and shows a network of suspects across multiple states. The charges indicate prosecutors intend to pursue severe penalties for armed robbery and homicide. Observers will watch for the next court date on June 16, when the trial resumes and additional witnesses, including a medical doctor, are expected to testify.