The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has launched a manhunt after suspected armed robbers responsible for the death of Arise News Channel anchor and producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, during a midnight raid on her 16-apartment Katampe residence.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. Police sources confirmed that the 29-year-old broadcaster was fatally wounded when gunmen stormed her home and opened fire sporadically, causing scare in the neighborhood.
Her death has sparked grief and outrage in the country after she sustained fatal injuries while attempting to escape armed robbers and later faced delay in receiving medical care at a hospital in Abuja
According to accounts shared by her colleague Ojy Okpe during a broadcast on Tuesday, the late journalist panicked after learning that as many as 15 robbers were moving through the compound.
Fearing they would soon break into her flat, she attempted to flee through a window but fell heavily to the ground and sustained several injuries.
“She was terrified, like anyone would be, and tried to escape before they got to her apartment,” Okpe said.
The armed robbers spent over an hour moving from one apartment to another, taking cash, phones, laptops and other valuables.
The compound’s private security guard resisted the gang and was shot in the process. He later died from his injuries, leaving behind a wife and a young child.
Police officers were reportedly alerted but arrived after the robbers had left, residents said.
After the fall, neighbours rushed Somtochukwu to the nearby Maitama district hospital.
However, she was allegedly denied immediate treatment because hospital staff demanded proof of identification.
By the time she got attended to, she had lost her life.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, [Name], described the attack as “a brutal and senseless act of violence,” vowing that detectives from the homicide and anti-robbery units have been deployed to track down the assailants.
“We will not rest until those responsible for this heinous crime are arrested and brought before the law,” the spokesperson stated.
Maduagwu, a lawyer by training, joined Arise News as an anchor, reporter, and producer. Known to her colleagues and viewers as Sommie, she was regarded as one of the station’s promising young talents.
The management of Arise News confirmed her death in a statement, expressing shock at the circumstances. “Her voice is now silent but her passion, spirit, and legacy will endure. We demand a thorough and speedy investigation into this tragic loss,” the statement read.
Security experts have again raised concerns over rising cases of violent break-ins and armed robbery attacks across Abuja, urging authorities to step up night patrols in residential estates.
Her remains have been deposited at the National Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
The police have appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward.
