Strong indications have emerged that a private hospital in Abuja refused urgent medical attention to late Arise TV news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, in her final moments, insisting instead on a police report before commencing treatment.
Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie by colleagues, reportedly jumped from the second floor of her apartment in the Katampe area of Abuja while attempting to escape armed robbers in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
She sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital, but sources allege that treatment was delayed until a police statement was produced.
The robbers also killed the security guard on duty at the residence, according to eyewitness accounts.
Maduagwu, 29, had only just returned from the United Kingdom where she attended her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary.
The management of Arise News confirmed her death in a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the organisation and the journalism community.
“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 Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
“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.”
Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu was not only a gifted news anchor and producer but also a trained lawyer whose legal background enriched her journalism with depth and intellectual rigour.
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the armed robbery and the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing.
