Family Friend Reveals How Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Died

A family friend has revealed how Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu died.

Newsone Nigeria had reported earlier that ARISE News Channel had mourned the tragic loss of a young journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who died in the early hours of Monday, September 29, following a violent armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja.

This online news platform understands that ARISE News Channel announced the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu in a statement published on the micro-blogging site, X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a statement obtained from its X handle on Monday, ARISE News Channel said the 29-year-old broadcaster, affectionately known as Sommie, was a respected news anchor, reporter, and producer who had become a familiar and trusted face to viewers across the country.

The statement reads thus: “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 in her residence in 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,” the statement added.

Watch a compilation of late Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s presentation below…

RIP Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu 💐
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025

Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor and producer at ARISE News, was tragically killed in an armed robbery incident in Abuja on September 29, 2025. The management of ARISE News is… pic.twitter.com/BVJLYKhzP8

— Top Naija Life (@TopNaijaLife) September 29, 2025

Giving details on how Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu died, the family friend, while speaking to investigative journalist Temilola Sobola on Instagram, said that Somtochukwu lost her life following a robbery attack at her residence. Armed robbers stormed her apartment complex, moving from flat to flat and dispossessing occupants of their valuables. Unfortunately, the police were alerted but failed to arrive on time.

The family friend revealed that the chaos and commotion from the attack caused panic, prompting Somtochukwu to make a desperate move. In a bid to escape before the robbers reached her flat, she jumped through the window, sustaining severe injuries.

Tragically, moments after the Arise TV anchor hit the ground, the police finally showed up. In pain, she reportedly begged them to rush her to the hospital, but they claimed their patrol vehicle had no fuel. Before alternative help could reach her, she passed away.

Sharing the details on her Instagram page, journalist Temilola Sobola wrote, “This is 29-year-old Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the Arise TV reporter who passed away after an armed robbery at her residence. A family friend has shed more light on what really happened: The armed robbers went to her apartment complex and were moving from flat to flat, robbing their occupants. The police were called, but they didn’t show up. The commotion that trailed the robberies (which she heard from her flat) caused fear to grip Somtochukw,u so before the robbers made it to her own apartment, she jumped out through the window.

“A few minutes after she hit the ground and hurt herself pretty bad, the police finally arrived. She begged the police to take her to the hospital for immediate medical treatment but they (the police) said they had no fuel in their vehicle. Before she could call for an alternative help, she gave up the ghost. The FCT police have started their investigation into the matter,” the post added.

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A post shared by Temilola Sobola (@temilolasobola)

Similarly, Arise News journalist Ojy Okpe disclosed the circumstances of the death of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu.

In her words, “She jumped from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She didn’t die on the spot; she went to the Maitama hospital, and she was rejected.”

“Somehow, they successfully got her to a hospital, yet they refused to treat her, instead demanding an ID Card and other documents. Amidst the chaos, she died. Barnabas also died.”

Watch Ojy narrating how Arise TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu died below…

WATCH: “She jumped from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She didn’t die on the spot, she went to the Maitama hospital, and she was rejected.”

-Arise News’ Ojy disclosed the circumstances of the death of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu… pic.twitter.com/Atqn89ZaXp

— Per Second News (@persecondnewsng) September 30, 2025