A Nigerian television news anchor died after jumping from her third-floor apartment in Abuja while attempting to escape armed robbers who invaded her residence in the early morning hours of September 29, 2025.
Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, 29, a reporter and producer at Arise News Channel, was found unconscious outside her apartment building at Unique Apartments and later died at a local hospital from injuries sustained in the fall.
The incident occurred at a three-story twin building with 18 units located in the Gishiri area of Katampe, within the Mabushi Division. Armed robbers gained access to the complex and shot and killed one of two private security guards who attempted to challenge them before specifically targeting Maduagwu’s apartment on the top floor.
FCT Commissioner Ajao Adewale confirmed the details of the attack, explaining that panic would have resulted from the violent environment. The commissioner stated that “out of fear, she jumped down from that third story, the top floor,” and described the consequences as sad and unfortunate.
Adewale characterized the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. He immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the break-in and deployed intelligence and operational assets to identify, track and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
Arise News management released an official statement announcing Maduagwu’s death and describing her as a beloved colleague who served as a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with viewers. The network noted that, beyond her broadcasting work, Maduagwu was also a trained lawyer who worked as a professional and supportive colleague.
The news organization expressed that while Maduagwu’s voice is now silent, her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of their collective memory. Management called for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits responsible for the attack.
Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, posted about the incident on social media, expressing shock and deep sadness over the news. He joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for all security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also condemned the incident, describing Maduagwu’s death as a heavy loss to both her employer and the entire Nigerian media industry.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani wrote a letter to THISDAY/ARISE Group Chairman Prince Nduka Obaigbena expressing profound sorrow over the loss. The governor described the murder as not only a grievous blow to family, friends and colleagues but also a national tragedy, calling it an act of cowardice and unprovoked violence.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris also sent condolences, describing Maduagwu as a vibrant and dedicated news anchor who was a consummate lawyer and model of professionalism. The federal government condemned the circumstances surrounding her death in the strongest terms and assured that security agencies are fully involved in the investigation.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and viewers on social media following news of her death. A memorial website was established describing Maduagwu as a phenomenal person who was God-fearing and served as a daughter, sister, friend, pageant queen, lawyer and journalist. The tribute noted she was a staunch advocate for women and girls’ rights, gender-based violence awareness, education reform and social justice.
Before joining Arise News, Maduagwu studied law in the United Kingdom and returned to Nigeria to complete national service. She worked as a legal executive and junior counsel before transitioning into broadcast journalism, where she covered women’s rights, legal affairs and gender equality issues.
The Police Command in Abuja arrested 12 of the 15 suspected armed robbers involved in the attack on Maduagwu’s residence, with operatives from the Scorpion Squad under ACP Victor Godfrey identifying the suspects through digital and reconstructive intelligence, including tracking stolen mobile phones.
One suspect, Shamsudeen Hassan, confessed to firing the shot that killed security guard Barnabas Danlami, while another, Sani Sirajo, claimed he tried to prevent Somtochukwu from falling but was unable to hold her.
Those arrested include Abubakar Alkamu, 27; Sani Sirajo, 20; Mashkur Jamilu, 28; Suleiman Badamasi, 21; Abdul Salam Saleh; Zaharadeen Muhammad, 23; Musa Adamu, 30; and Sumayya Mohammed, 27, among others.
Maduagwu was buried on October 18, 2025, in Agulu, Anambra State, while Danlami had been laid to rest the week prior, and the arrests came just before her funeral rites, offering some measure of justice.
