New details have emerged about the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, the ARISE News anchor who died during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Contrary to earlier reports that the 29-year-old broadcaster was directly attacked by robbers, family friend Kaanayo Nwachukwu, who knew Maduagwu’s mother, has clarified what happened.
According to him, armed robbers stormed the six-flat apartment block where Somtochukwu, fondly called Sommie, lived. The intruders moved from flat to flat, stealing from residents, while calls to the police went unanswered.
Nwachukwu explained that Sommie, frightened by the noise and chaos from nearby flats, tried to escape before the robbers reached her own apartment. She jumped from her window and sustained severe injuries from the fall.
He wrote: “Initial reports said she was attacked and killed during an armed robbery operation. That wasn’t the case. The armed robbers came to her apartment complex. They went from one flat to another, robbing their occupants. The police were called, but they didn’t show. The commotion that trailed the robberies caused fear to grip Sommie. So, before the robbers made it to her own apartment, she jumped out through the window. A few minutes after she hit the ground and hurt herself pretty bad, the police finally arrived. Sommie was still alive when they did.”
But help did not come. Nwachukwu said eyewitnesses told him that “Sommie begged and begged the police (profusely) to take her to the hospital for immediate medical treatment, but they (the police) said they had no fuel in their vehicle with which to do so.”
He added that she managed to reach out to her mother’s close friend in Abuja. Sadly, by the time the woman arrived, Sommie had died.
“That’s how Nigeria happened to this young, vibrant, promising star. SAD!!! Rest in peace, Somtochukwu,” Nwachukwu wrote in his emotional account, describing her death as avoidable and a failure of the Nigerian system.
Nwachukwu also shared details about her background, saying her parents waited 10 years before having her. “After high school in Nigeria, her parents sent her to the UK to study law. On graduation, she returned to Nigeria and attended law school therein. Arise TV hired her in 2024,” he said.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie’s tragic death has sparked anger and grief across the country. Many Nigerians see it as another painful reminder of insecurity, negligence, and poor emergency response.
In a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi, ARISE News confirmed her passing and described her as “not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers. Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.”
The organisation sent condolences to her family and loved ones and demanded a thorough police investigation.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits,” ARISE News said.
