The Maitama District Hospital in Abuja has come under fire following allegations of negligence that reportedly contributed to the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu.

The matter was raised during the What’s Trending segment of the Arise Morning Show on Tuesday, September 28, where anchors Reuben Abati and Ogy Okpe expressed concern over reports that the journalist was denied immediate treatment.

According to emerging accounts widely circulated on social media, Somtochukwu was still alive when she was taken to the hospital but was allegedly not treated because she did not have any form of identification.

Speaking on the broadcast, Dr. Abati said: “About the hospital, yes, it’s called the Maitama General Hospital. Now, there have been various versions. Some people have said even the security guard died, so why are we just talking about the Arise anchor? No. Whether it’s the security guard or it’s the Arise family, nobody should die needlessly. Nigeria should not happen to anybody negatively. Hospitals, midwives, nurses, doctors—everybody working within that medical space—their primary responsibility is to save lives, even beyond the call of duty. And I think part of the investigation should include the behavior, the attitude, the response of the medical personnel at that time at the General Hospital.”

He further raised critical questions about accountability: “Is there a case of negligence? Could lives have been saved if they responded more professionally? These are questions that should be raised. The investigators, the security agencies, should not rule out any option. The initial report we were given is that this was an armed robbery incident. Could there be other reasons behind this matter? Could this be an assassination? Could this be a case of occupational hazard? But we are saddened because there is no remediation. Life is lost, hope has been destroyed, and we are all here mourning as a family.”

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to release an official update on the case, while public outrage continues to mount over the reported negligence at the Maitama District Hospital.