By Esther Ososanya
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended three suspects linked to the shocking murder and robbery of Mr. Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio, After a painstaking year-long investigation.
The attack, which took place on June 14, 2024, at Panteka Market in Mpape, Abuja, had left the community in shock and prompted a rigorous manhunt by police detectives.
Following the brutal assault, during which Mr. Nwakama was stabbed and robbed of his valuables including his mobile phone, officers from Mpape Division immediately launched an exhaustive probe. However, the stolen phone remained switched off, frustrating efforts to trace the suspects.
Detectives persevered with the investigation over the next 14 months, meticulously tracking any digital footprints and leads linked to the missing phone and the crime. This relentless vigilance paid off on August 2, 2025, when the device was powered on for the first time since the incident. Using this breakthrough, the police traced the phone to one Mutari Lawal, 32, from Kano State, who was swiftly arrested.
During intense interrogation, Lawal admitted to attacking and stabbing Mr. Nwakama before fleeing with his belongings. He revealed that he had collaborated with two accomplices 22-year-old Dan’Asabe Ibrahim from Zamfara State and 18-year-old Danjuma Ibrahim, both currently of no fixed address in Mpape.
Lawal confessed that to avoid detection, he had transported the stolen phone to Kano, where it was deliberately kept switched off for an entire year. Only recently did he power on the device to wipe data, insert his SIM card, and then return to Abuja, inadvertently enabling police to track him down.
Police Praise Tenacity and Resolve
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the detectives for their unwavering diligence and resilience. “Despite the challenges and the passage of time, our officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism that ensured justice was served,” he stated.
CP Adewale issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating within the FCT, urging them to desist or face the full force of the law. “The long arm of the law is patient, persistent, and resolute. Criminals must either repent or relocate,” he emphasized.
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In light of this arrest, the FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of residents across the Federal Capital Territory. The command encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities.
Residents are advised to contact the police immediately through the emergency hotlines. The apprehension of the suspects marks a significant victory for law enforcement and offers a measure of closure to the family of Mr. Nwakama and the wider community. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous police vigilance in the face of evolving criminal tactics.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are expected to bring the suspects before the court to face charges related to murder and armed robbery, reinforcing the justice system’s role in combating violent crime.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
