A murder investigation that spanned more than a year has led to the arrest of three suspects over the killing of Nigerian journalist Azubuko Nwakama in Mpape, Abuja.
Nwakama, who worked for Liberty Radio, was attacked on 14 June 2024 at Panteka Market. His assailants stabbed him and stole his mobile phone and other possessions. Despite an intensive search, police were unable to locate the phone, which remained switched off for over 12 months.
Detectives kept the case open, monitoring for any digital activity linked to the stolen device. On 2 August 2025, the phone — a Redmi 13C — was switched on, enabling investigators to trace it to Kano State native Mutari Lawal, 32.
Lawal was promptly arrested and confessed to the killing, naming two alleged accomplices: 22-year-old Dan’Asabe Ibrahim from Zamfara State and 18-year-old Danjuma Ibrahim. Police say Lawal admitted hiding the phone in Kano before returning to Abuja to reactivate it.
FCT Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale commended his officers’ perseverance and warned criminals in the territory to either desist or face the inevitable reach of the law.
Authorities are encouraging residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity through official emergency hotlines.
