The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has redeployed the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, following a string of violent crimes and security lapses in Abuja, including the killing of ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

The decision is reportedly in response to growing pressure on Adewale to deliver results after succeeding the widely regarded former FCT Police Commissioner, Benneth Igwe.

The capital was thrown into mourning after the brutal killing of ARISE TV presenter Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu and her security guard Barnabas Danlami during a violent robbery on September 29 in Katampe, Abuja.

According to reports, armed assailants invaded her residence in the early hours of that Monday, leaving both victims dead before escaping with valuables. The incident sparked outrage nationwide and renewed questions about the growing wave of crime in the capital city.

A senior officer told Leadership that the tragic case “brought unprecedented scrutiny to the FCT Command, especially after similar cases of abductions and armed attacks in recent weeks.”

New Leadership for the FCT Command

An internal police signal from Force Headquarters confirmed that Commissioner of Police Miller Gajere Dantawaye has been appointed as the new head of the FCT Command.

The same memo, referenced TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.6/213, also indicated that Deputy Commissioner of Police Wilson Aniefiok Akpan has been redeployed to Kogi State.

The signal, which was circulated to all zonal and state commands, stated that the postings were provisional, pending final confirmation by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Egbetokun’s decision is an effort to restore public confidence and reassert control amid worsening reports of armed robberies, kidnappings, and home invasions in Abuja’s satellite districts.