New details have emerged on the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, the ARISE News anchor, reporter, and producer who died during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.

While initial reports suggested that the 29-year-old broadcaster was directly attacked by the armed robbers, an update by family friend Kaanayo Nwachukwu, who knew Maduagwu’s mother, paints a different picture.

According to Nwachukwu, armed robbers stormed the six-flat apartment complex where Somtochukwu, popularly called Sommie, lived, moving from one apartment to another, dispossessing residents of their belongings. Although the police were reportedly alerted, they failed to show up on time.

Terrified by the commotion from adjoining flats, Maduagwu attempted to escape before the robbers reached her apartment. She jumped out of her window, sustaining severe injuries from the fall.

Nwachukwu revealed that when police eventually arrived minutes later, Maduagwu was still alive.

Nwachukwu said, “Sommie lived in a block of six flats in the FCT suburb of Katampe.

“Initial reports said she was attacked and killed during an armed robbery operation. That wasn't the case.”

Narrating what happened, Nwachukwu said, “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.”

Nwachukwu said eyewitnesses said “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,” Nwachukwu wrote.

“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.”

In his emotional account, Nwachukwu described the tragedy as avoidable, calling it a failure of the Nigerian system.

“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,” he said.

“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 wrote.

Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie’s death has since sparked anger and grief, not only among colleagues and family but also among Nigerians who see her story as another grim reminder of insecurity and systemic neglect.

She died in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. She was 29 years old.

In a statement issued on Monday by ARISE News management, signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi, the station described her as a vibrant journalist whose passion and voice had resonated strongly with viewers.

“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,” the statement read.

The organisation expressed condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, and loved ones, while calling on the Nigeria Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident and the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time,” the management said.

“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.”