The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, has clarified that officers responded swiftly to the Katampe armed robbery incident reaching there by 3:20am, where they found ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu unconscious and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, the Commissioner provided details surrounding the tragic death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie, during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja.
“When the call was made, policemen moved swiftly to the scene. What they could see was the unconscious body of Somtochukwu Maduagwu on the floor. They picked her up and rushed her to Maitama General Hospital where the doctors, as much as possible, tried to resuscitate her through CPR, but she couldn’t make it,” Adewale said.
He emphasised that police response time depends on various factors. “Response time is a function of when the call was made, where the police team was located, proximity, and the nature of the environment. In this case, the police got there 20 minutes after three,” he stated.
Adewale explained that hoodlums gained access into the Unique Apartments, a twin three-storey building of 18 flats where Maduagwu lived on the third floor. Two private security men were on duty at the time, one of whom sustained gunshot injuries after attempting to challenge the attackers.
According to him, panic swept through the premises during the robbery, forcing Maduagwu to jump from her apartment. “She occupied a third-floor apartment and, out of fear, jumped down. The consequence is what we are now witnessing,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner disclosed that a specialised investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police has been set up to track down the perpetrators. “We are already working with the leads we are getting. The result of the investigation will be made known to Nigerians. Justice will be served,” he assured.
Adewale also dismissed claims that about eight estates had been robbed in the district in the past three months. “My record does not support that. For every incident that takes place, the police respond immediately,” he said.
He maintained that the incident was a straightforward case of armed robbery. “This one is easy because it is obvious. Fourteen out of sixteen flats in the building are occupied. Phones were taken, some cars as well, so it is clear that it was a robbery.”
The Commissioner expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues at ARISE News, and Nigerians at large. “We sincerely commiserate with them. It is our duty not just as a command but as a people and a nation to ensure the perpetrators of this act are brought to justice. With God on our side and the technical support we are receiving from our headquarters, we will deliver,” he vowed.
Nancy Mbamalu
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