A close family friend has spoken out, sharing a heartbreaking account of the tragic death of Arise Television news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, also known as Sommie. The 29-year-old lawyer, journalist, and model reportedly lost her life in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025, after an incident linked to armed robbery in her residential area. Her sudden passing has left colleagues, friends, viewers, and Nigerians at large in deep mourning, sparking questions about the events that truly led to her demise.
Family Friend Breaks Silence
Speaking with investigative journalist Temilola Sobola, the family friend narrated how a group of armed robbers stormed Somtochukwu’s apartment block in the Katampe area of Abuja. The intruders allegedly went from one flat to another, robbing tenants and leaving residents terrified as they carted away valuables. According to the family friend, Sommie was in her flat when the chaos began, and she became overwhelmed with fear as the criminals drew closer to her door.
Despite urgent calls placed to the police, officers failed to arrive on time. Out of panic and in an attempt to save herself from the advancing robbers, Sommie reportedly made the tragic decision to jump out of her window. She sustained fatal injuries from the fall. Sadly, moments after her desperate leap, police operatives finally arrived at the scene of the crime.
A Desperate Cry for Help
According to the painful account, Somtochukwu, though gravely injured, pleaded with the police officers to rush her to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Shockingly, the officers allegedly claimed their patrol vehicle had no fuel, rendering them unable to assist her in that critical moment. Left helpless and without immediate medical care, Sommie tragically succumbed to her injuries before alternative help could reach her.
This revelation has fueled outrage on social media, as Nigerians express anger over the alleged negligence of the police and the devastating chain of events that cut short the life of a promising journalist. Many described her death as avoidable and raised questions about security lapses and the inefficiency of emergency response systems in the country.
Journalist Temilola Sobola’s Post
Temilola Sobola shared the detailed narration via her Instagram page, sparking widespread sorrow and condemnation. Her post reads:
“This is 29 years old Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the Arise TV reporter who passed away after an armed robbery at her residence. A family friend has shed more light on what really happened: The armed robbers went to her apartment complex and were moving from flat to flat, robbing their occupants. The police were called but they didn’t show up. The commotion that trailed the robberies (which she heard from her flat) caused fear to grip Somtochukwu 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. She begged the police to take her to the hospital for immediate medical treatment but they (the police) said they had no fuel in their vehicle. Before she could call for an alternative help, she gave up the ghost. The FCT police have started their investigation into the matter……”
See Temilola Sobola’s post below…
Somtochukwu’s untimely passing has since become a symbol of the growing concerns over insecurity, delayed emergency response, and systemic failures in Nigeria. Friends, colleagues, and admirers continue to pay tribute to her remarkable work and vibrant personality, even as calls intensify for justice and accountability in light of the tragedy.