Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, a vibrant news anchor and producer at Arise News, tragically lost her life following an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. New details reveal that she did not die instantly but jumped from her residence in fear when about 14 armed robbers invaded her apartment complex.
According to a family friend and close associate of Maduagwu's mother, after hearing the robbers were approaching, Sommie attempted to escape by jumping from her window. She survived the fall but sustained severe injuries. Distressingly, when taken to a hospital, she was reportedly rejected and denied immediate medical care, which sources say contributed to her untimely death.
The Nigeria Police have begun investigating the robbery incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. Arise News management expressed profound shock and grief over the death of their colleague, describing Sommie as a dedicated professional whose passion and voice touched many viewers.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie was also a trained lawyer who had returned to Nigeria after studying law in the UK. Her death has sparked national outrage over insecurity and the apparent systemic failures, including emergency response and hospital protocols, that worsened an already tragic event.
Colleagues, friends, and Nigerians at large mourn Maduagwu’s passing, calling for swift justice and systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Her legacy endures as a reminder of the alarming security challenges facing Nigerians.