Abuja Police Nab 3 Suspected Murderers of Journalist, Ending Year-Long Hunt

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command attached to Mpape Division have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Mr. Azubuko Nwakama, a journalist with Liberty Radio, who was attacked and robbed on June 14, 2024, at Panteka Market, Mpape, Abuja, leading to his death, according to iReporter Online.

The suspects dispossessed Nwakama of his mobile phone and other valuables. Detectives launched a comprehensive investigation but struggled to trace the stolen device despite extensive tracking efforts.

However, according to iReporter Online, a breakthrough came on August 2, 2025, when the victim’s phone, a Redmi 13C, was switched on and immediately tracked to 32-year-old Mutari Lawal from Kano State, who was promptly arrested.

During interrogation, Mutari confessed to attacking and stabbing the deceased before fleeing with his valuables.

He named his accomplices as Dan’Asabe Ibrahim, 22, from Zamfara State, and Danjuma Ibrahim, 18, both without fixed addresses in Mpape, with whom he carried out the crime.

According to iReporter Online, the suspect revealed that he took the stolen phone to Kano, kept it switched off for a year, and only powered it on in August 2025 to wipe data, insert his SIM card, and return to Abuja.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, praised the detectives for their diligence, resilience, and professionalism in ensuring justice despite the long timeframe.

He warned criminals in the FCT to repent or relocate, vowing that “the long arm of the law, which is patient, persistent, and resolute, will definitely catch up with them.”

The FCT Command reassured residents that their security remains a priority and urged them to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883.