Fresh and heartbreaking details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with ARISE News, who passed away following a violent robbery at her residence in Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, when a gang of approximately 15 armed robbers invaded Unique Apartments, a four-storey, 16-flat residential building in the Katampe area of Abuja. The attack reportedly began around 3 a.m.
According to reports from ARISE News, security guards on duty raised the alarm and attempted to alert the police—but no response came. One guard sustained injuries during the attack.
On Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchor Ojinika Okpe shared further insights into the horrific events. She explained that Maduagwu, known affectionately as Sommie, tried to escape the armed robbers by jumping from her apartment.
“She jumped down from her home when she heard about 14 armed robbers had come. She didn’t die on the spot,” Okpe revealed. “She was taken to the hospital, but was rejected. Her life could have been saved.”
The hospital in question—Maitama District Hospital—is now under public scrutiny. ARISE co-anchor Dr. Reuben Abati, called for a thorough investigation into the hospital’s conduct and urged law enforcement to leave no stone unturned in probing the circumstances of the attack and Maduagwu’s death.
Born on December 26, 1995, Somtochukwu Maduagwu was not only a rising star in Nigerian journalism but also a trained lawyer who had successfully transitioned into broadcast media.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community and beyond, with many questioning the country’s emergency response systems and hospital protocols in critical moments.
