Police arrest 4 over murder of popular Abuja DJ

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspected armed robbers linked to the killing of popular Abuja-based disc jockey, Bashir Dauda, widely known as DJ Bash.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the command confirmed that DJ Bash was fatally shot during a robbery operation in the FCT.

According to the police, the suspects were tracked down and apprehended during a series of coordinated operations carried out between September 3 and 19 in Abuja and neighboring Niger State. Security operatives also recovered weapons and other incriminating items from the gang.

“The suspects were arrested at Kagini, FCT, and Madalla, Niger State. They include: Ibrahim Shaibu a.k.a. Baba Godes (M), 28 years, from Zaria, Kaduna State; Yusuf Salihu (M), 40 years, from Kagini, FCT; Awulu Nuhu a.k.a. Zabi (M), 25 years, from Keita LGA, Katsina State; Usman Yerima a.k.a. Dangrugru (M), 28 years, from Jimeta LGA, Adamawa State,” the statement read.

It continued: “The operation led to the recovery of two (2) English pistols, forty-nine (49) rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one (1) gray Toyota Corolla (2012 model), and ten (10) Android phones suspected to have been stolen from victims. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in several violent crimes including the armed robbery of Umar Y. Gowa at Hillside Estate, Dawaki, and the attack on Volcano Peak Court Hotel, Gwarinpa, where guests were robbed and Bashir Dauda, popularly known as DJ Bash, was fatally shot.”

The police further stated that investigations revealed the gang had long been terrorizing communities in Gwarinpa and Dawaki, launching violent attacks on unsuspecting residents.

The statement added that the gang’s criminal operations were corroborated by CCTV footage, which captured one of their attacks on a resident, highlighting their “ruthless mode of operations.”

Additionally, the suspects were said to have given “useful information” regarding other accomplices still at large. The police said efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining members of the syndicate.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, psc, mnips, commended the Scorpion Squad and other operatives for their professionalism, courage, and resilience in dismantling the deadly network. He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information,” the statement concluded.

The arrests come amid growing public concern over rising insecurity across the FCT, particularly in satellite areas such as Gwarinpa, Dawaki, Lugbe, and Kubwa, where residents have frequently reported armed robberies, “one-chance” kidnappings, and cult-related violence.

In July, the FCT police command had arrested three wanted kidnappers and bandits during a separate intelligence-led operation.

Those suspects were identified as Abdulkadir Abubakar from Mpape, Abuja; 25-year-old Mohammed Tasiu Sani from Rigina, Kaduna State; and 27-year-old Suleiman Jibrin from Sabon-Gayan, Kaduna State.