Nigeria’s media fraternity is mourning the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News, who died during a tragic robbery attempt at her residence in Abuja.
According to police reports, the 29-year-old journalist fell to her death after jumping from the top floor of her three-story apartment building in Katampe while trying to escape a group of armed robbers in the early hours of September 29.
The robbers are said to have breached private security at the Unique Apartment complex, forcing residents to flee for safety. Maduagwu reportedly leapt from the top floor, landing on a concrete surface that left her unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
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In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), ARISE News confirmed her passing, describing Maduagwu—fondly known as Sommie—as “a cherished member of the ARISE News family and a vibrant voice who connected deeply with our viewers.”
TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu… pic.twitter.com/2tYvU7wNrB
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 29, 2025
“Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer, a professional, a supportive colleague, and a friend to many,” the statement read.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command also released a statement expressing condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale called the attack “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society.”
He further announced that a comprehensive investigation had been launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death. “We are deploying intelligence and operational resources to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” he said.
Before joining ARISE News, Maduagwu had made her first appearance on the station as a guest after winning the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant. She later went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World competition in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.
