Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a presenter with ARISE News, has been killed in a robbery attack at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday.
ARISE News management confirmed her death in a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi.
The statement described her as “a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers” and “a cherished member of the ARISE News family.”
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The statement said, “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 at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
“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.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.
“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.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation is currently ongoing.
She said, “Yes, we are aware, and investigation has commenced.”
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie carved a niche for herself as a news anchor, reporter, and producer, admired for her professionalism, eloquence, and passion for storytelling.
Before her broadcast career, she trained as a lawyer, bringing intellectual depth and analytical rigour to her work.
She was also widely known beyond the newsroom, a feminist, fashion enthusiast, and advocate for policy and good governance.
She emerged Face of Zaron Cosmetics in 2020 and was crowned Miss Tourism World Nigeria in 2023, reflecting her versatility and public appeal.
Her colleagues at ARISE News have expressed deep grief over her passing, recalling her warmth, infectious energy, and tireless commitment to the newsroom.
Tributes have also poured in on social media from viewers, fellow journalists, and members of the legal community who knew her.
One colleague, Hindan Nadoo, wrote on X: “Now I understand why my former boss made sure no one could access her doors. Each and every door had passwords, even me, as a help could not go in except she opened it herself. I thought she was just scared because she’s a lawyer, but now I see it was for her safety.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commiserated with Somtochukwu’s family and Arise News over her killing.
“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Ms Somtochukwu Maduagwu, an Arise TV newscaster who was killed in an armed robbery attack in Abuja.
“My condolences also go to the management and staff of ARISE Tv. It is my prayer that the family, friends and colleagues be comforted by this loss at such a very young age,” Atiku wrote on Facebook.
Colleagues call for thorough probe
Also, Segun Ojumu, the Chairman of INEC Press Corps, in a condolence message, urged the police to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice.
Ojumu said, “On behalf of the INEC Press Corps, I want to express our profound grief and shock upon receiving the devastating news of the tragic passing of your esteemed colleague, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu.
“The news that Sommie, a vibrant News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer, was taken from you in such a cruel and senseless manner—following an armed robbery incident at her home—has left all of us in the journalistic community deeply saddened.
“At just 29, she was a bright star with a compelling voice and a clear passion for her craft, one that we frequently encountered and respected through her reporting. Her work and the commitment she demonstrated as a professional and a lawyer contributed significantly to the media landscape we all share.
“We understand that her loss creates an immeasurable void for the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel. Please know that you are not alone in your sorrow. We share in your collective sadness and offer our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and all of her loved ones.
“As you mourn the silence of her voice, may her spirit, dedication, and the impactful legacy she leaves behind offer some measure of comfort and strength during this extraordinarily difficult time.
“We join you in calling for a swift and thorough investigation by the Nigeria Police to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are quickly apprehended and brought to justice.”
Maduagwu is survived by her parents, siblings, and extended family. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Police arrest 5 notorious bandit leaders in Abuja
The Police in Abuja have arrested five notorious bandit leaders wanted for terrorizing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states through kidnapping and armed robbery.
A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the operation.
Spokesperson of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the operation, led by the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, took place between 20th and 28th September 2025.
According to Adeh, the suspects have been linked to several kidnappings across the North Central, North West, and North East subregions and had long been on the wanted list of the police and other security agencies.
They were eventually tracked to Nasarawa State, where they were apprehended.
The arrested suspects include: Abdullahi Garuba, aka Alhaji Ore, 40 years, Yusuf Inuwa, aka Alhaji Dabunda, 59 years, David Kaika, aka Baba, 29 years, Baba Imaji (female), 36 years, Ibrahim Nasiru, aka Pepper.
Exhibits recovered during the operation include: 2,186 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, two AK-47 rifles with obliterated serial numbers, one locally fabricated pistol with two live cartridges, and five operational motorcycles used by the suspects.
“All suspects have confessed to their crimes and will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations,” Adeh said, adding that efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing gang members.
Commending the officers involved, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, reassured residents of his commitment to rid the FCT and its environs of crime and criminality.
