Fresh details which emerged online have revealed how the negligence of the Nigerian police led to the death of the ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
Naijaonpoint reports that Sommie, as she is fondly called, died during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on September 29, 2025.
According to Sahara Reporters, a family friend, Kaanayo Nwachukwu, who spoke on the incident, dismissed initial reports suggesting that the armed robbers directly attacked the 29-year-old broadcaster.
Nwachukwu stated that the armed robbers stormed the six-flat apartment complex where Sommie lived, moving from one apartment to another and dispossessing residents of their belongings.
Nwachukwu said Sommie, terrified by the commotion from adjoining flats, attempted to escape before the robbers reached her apartment.
He said the deceased jumped out of her window, sustaining severe injuries from the fall, stressing that when police eventually arrived minutes later, Sommie 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.
“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. 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.
“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.”
Nwachukwu described the tragedy as avoidable, calling it a failure of the Nigerian system.
He added, “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.
“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.”
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