Popular Nigerian news channel Arise TV is still mourning the tragic loss of its young journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, following a violent armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. The 29-year-old broadcaster, popular known as Sommie, was a news anchor, reporter, and producer who had quickly become a known face to several Nigerians who rely on Arise TV to stay informed.
However, while widespread reports have said that the Sommie was murdered in cold blood by armed robbers, a family friend, Kaanayo Nwachukwu, has come out to say something entirely different.
Kaanayo stated that as the armed robbers moved from one apartment to another, stealing and dispossessing residents of their belongings, the police were quickly informed, but they failed to show up on time.
According to him, Sommie was forced to jump out of her window after the commotion from other flats got really scary, sustaining serious injuries as a result, but by the time the police eventually arrived, she was still alive.
“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 (which she heard from her flat) 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,” he wrote on social media.
Kaanayo further disclosed that despite Somtochukwu desperately pleading with the police to take her to the hospital for immediate medical treatment, she was told that they had no fuel in their car.
He concluded by saying that Sommie eventually managed to ask her mother’s best friend for urgent assistance on the phone, but she was dead before help arrived.
“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.
So, Sommie managed to put a call through to her mum’s best friend who lives close to her in Abuja (since her parents live in Port Harcourt). Before the woman could get to her, she had turned cold – gone: dead.
That’s how Nigeria happened to this young, vibrant, promising star. SAD!!! Rest in peace, Somtochukwu. That’s How Nigeria Happened to This Promising Star.
I know Sommie because I’m a friend of her mum. It took her mum 10 solid years to have Sommie after she got married. Her two younger siblings came later.
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 added.
Meanwhile, speaking during Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, ARISE anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati recounted details surrounding the tragic incident, describing it as a death that could have been prevented.
They revealed that Sommie’s demise further highlights the dangers faced by journalists and the failures of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
According to Okpe, Somtochukwu reportedly jumped from her home after learning that 14 armed robbers had invaded the building. She survived the fall but later gave up after allegedly being rejected by hospital staff.
“She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.
She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,” Okpe said.
Reacting to the revelation that Maduagwu and an aged security guard were rushed to Maitama District General Hospital, where they both died after allegedly being denied prompt treatment because hospital staff demanded identification documents before attending to them, Dr Reuben Abati blasted the hospital’s conduct, tagging it a violation of medical ethics and the law.
“This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident… should be treated immediately.
But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.
I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty… Lives could have been saved,” he added.
Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s final post on X in August, just weeks before her death, read, “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.”
Recall that Arise TV recently revealed that the robbery incident that took Sommie’s life is presently being investigated by the police.
The news channel noted that Somtochukwu Maduagwu would be remembered for engaging and connecting with the viewers while keeping them abreast of happenings across the country.
Extending its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Arise TV management urged the authorities to investigate what led to Sommie’s death and prosecute whoever is involved.
The company stressed that even after her demise, Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s legacy as a vibrant and steadfast broadcaster will always be cherished and never forgotten.
“It 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 Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery incident in her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
Sommie, 29, was 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.
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 TV wrote on its website.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
