A 29-year-old Nigerian television news anchor died Monday, September 29, 2025, after jumping from the third floor of her apartment building while attempting to escape armed robbers who had broken into her home in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a reporter and producer at Arise News Channel, was found unconscious by police outside her three-story apartment building after the violent break-in occurred during the early morning hours. She was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The incident took place at Unique Apartments, a twin building complex with 18 units located in the Gishiri area of Katampe, within the Mabushi Division. According to Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale, armed robbers specifically targeted the building and shot one of two security guards who attempted to challenge them before storming into Maduagwu’s residence.
Commissioner Adewale explained that Maduagwu occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building. Adewale described the circumstances as “a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society.” He indicated that panic would have resulted from the environment created by the armed intruders, leading to Maduagwu’s fatal decision to jump from the third story.
The police commissioner immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into the break-in, deploying intelligence and operational assets to identify and track the armed perpetrators. As of early October, the suspects had not been apprehended.
Arise News management released an official statement announcing Maduagwu’s death, describing her as a beloved colleague whose vibrant voice engaged and connected with viewers. The network noted that beyond her broadcasting career, Maduagwu was also an accomplished lawyer who served as a professional and supportive colleague to many within the organization.
The news station 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 those responsible for the crime.
Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, posted about the tragedy on social media, stating he was shocked and deeply saddened by the devastating news. He joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in calling on all security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah expressed deep grief over Maduagwu’s death, describing it as a heavy loss to both her employer and the entire Nigerian media industry. Mbah condemned the incident and urged security agencies to do everything within their powers to bring the culprits to justice. He noted that at 29, Maduagwu had already established herself in the nation’s media space as a consummate professional who lit millions of screens with her delivery.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani wrote to the chairman of the THISDAY/ARISE Group, describing Maduagwu’s murder during the armed robbery as not only a grievous blow to her family, friends and colleagues, but also a national tragedy. He characterized her as having a rare ability to connect with Nigerians across class, region and creed, calling her a true daughter of the soil whose voice resonated in living rooms, hearts and minds across the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris described the killing as regrettable and a grievous loss to the Nigerian media fraternity and the nation. In a condolence letter to Arise News management, Idris stated that Maduagwu was a vibrant and dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
The federal government condemned the circumstances surrounding her death in the strongest terms, with Idris assuring that security agencies are fully aware of the matter and that a thorough investigation is underway to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media platforms, with colleagues and viewers remembering Maduagwu for her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to journalism. Before joining Arise News, she studied law in the United Kingdom and returned to Nigeria to complete national service, working as a legal executive and junior counsel before transitioning into broadcast journalism.
At Arise News, Maduagwu covered women’s rights, legal affairs, and gender equality issues, quickly earning recognition for her compassion and professional approach to reporting. The incident has raised broader questions about safety and security in Nigeria’s capital city.
