ASP Reveals Scorpion Squad Tactics That Led to Nine Arrests in Arise Reporter Murder Case

Nine individuals face charges of armed robbery and culpable homicide in connection with the September 2025 murder of Arise News reporter Somtochukwu Maduagwu and a security guard. Police used a specialized "Scorpion Squad" to apprehend the suspects.

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Maxwell Eje recently detailed the police operation that led to nine arrests in the murder case of Arise News reporter Somtochukwu Maduagwu. Testifying before the FCT High Court in Abuja, ASP Eje described the tactical efforts used to apprehend those charged with the crime. The Sept. 29, 2025 incident at Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja, also resulted in the death of security guard Barnabas Danlami.

Police deployed a specialized unit, the "Scorpion Squad," led by Sani Surajo. This squad proceeded to the Dei-Dei suburb, where Surajo received a phone to communicate with his alleged gang members. Under disguise, the police team prepared for arrests.

Surajo then contacted Abubakar Alkamu, who was in Kano, and Hassan Isah. Police arrested Alkamu and Isah after they entered a vehicle. Officers conducted a search, recovering daggers and other weapons the individuals reportedly planned to use in another robbery operation that same night.

These initial arrests led to the identification of additional group members. The same method, involving tactical contact and apprehension, was used to secure further arrests. In total, nine individuals were taken into custody and subsequently brought to the police office.

Eleven individuals now face formal charges. Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Surajo, Hassan Isah, Abdulsalam Saleh, Shamsu Hassan, and six others are charged with nine counts of armed robbery and culpable homicide. These charges directly relate to the Unique Apartments robbery on September 29, 2025, which led to the deaths of Somtochukwu Maduagwu and Barnabas Danlami.

The ongoing trial will continue to unravel the specifics of the investigation and present evidence against the accused. The legal process will determine the outcome for all eleven individuals involved.