* Late Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu
The Pathfinder
Tuesday September 30, 2025
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The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of a news anchor with Arise News Channel, Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.
Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, reportedly lost her life after jumping from the balcony of her residence in Katampe, while attempting to escape suspected armed robbers in the early hours of Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, described the incident as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” while commiserating with the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the media community.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command said Adewale had ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the killing.
The statement partly read, “The FCT commissioner of police has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served. ”
The CP also directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to track down the perpetrators.
“To this end, he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime, ” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to support the investigation by providing timely and useful information to the police and to raise prompt alarm in suspicious situations to forestall similar crimes.
ARISE News in a statement by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of the management, said: “Sommie was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.
“Her 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,” the statement added.
Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, was 29 years old.
She joined ARISE News as a vibrant and engaging broadcaster whose work connected deeply with audiences.
Beyond her media career, she was also a trained lawyer and described as a professional, supportive colleague and dear friend to many within and outside the newsroom.
First Lady, Atiku, Obi mourn
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have mourned the death of Somtochukwu.
In a condolence message on Tuesday, the First Lady described the deceased as “one of the nation’s young and brilliant minds in the journalism profession,” adding that it was painful to see her life “cut short in her prime.”
While condoling with the Chairman, Arise News Media, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, Somtochukwu’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, the First Lady expressed hope that the perpetrators are apprehended as soon as possible and brought to book.
She prayed that “God to grant repose to the soul of the deceased and gives her family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
Atiku, in his tribute via his X handle on Monday, said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise TV newscaster who was killed in an armed robbery attack in Abuja,” he wrote, extending his sympathies also to the management and staff of the station.
“My condolences also go to the management and staff of @ARISEtv. It is my prayer that the family, friends and colleagues be comforted by this loss at such a very young age,” he added.
Obi, in a post via his X handle on Monday, described Maduagwu as “a brilliant young anchor and trained lawyer whose voice engaged, informed, and inspired many.”
He noted that her tragic passing was not just a personal loss to her family and colleagues but “a huge blow to journalism and to our nation.”
He further stressed the need to prioritise citizens’ safety, saying,“No Nigerian should go to bed fearful of what the night may bring, or lose their life in such senseless ways.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her grieving family, the Arise News family, and all who mourn her. May her soul rest in peace, and may we, as a nation, work harder to build a country where lives are valued and protected.”
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