I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.
— Sommie Maduagwu (@Sommie_xo) August 14, 2025
ARISE News is mourning the tragic death of one of its journalists, Somtochukwu Maduagwu. She died in the early hours of Monday, September 29, following a violent armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja.
TRAGIC DEATH: SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025'Delectable', 'intelligent', and 'bold' are adjectives which hardly qualify Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu’s persona.
The 29-year-old barrister first graced the ARISE News screen as a… pic.twitter.com/bna4B747hG— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 29, 2025
Tributes have poured in from across the media industry, civil society, and the legal profession, as well as from members of the public who followed her work. Many have called for justice and demanded swift action from the authorities.
TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025It 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… pic.twitter.com/2tYvU7wNrB
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 29, 2025
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.
Hadiza Usman-Ajayi
For Management
More about Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu
‘Delectable’, ‘intelligent’, and ‘bold’ are adjectives which hardly qualify Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu’s persona.
The 29-year-old barrister first graced the ARISE News screen as a guest when she participated in and won the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant. Sommie went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in Quanzhou, China, in 2023.
In September 2024, she joined the ARISE NEWS team, where she has made her voice count as a News Anchor, News Producer, and a Reporter. Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence.
One of her most recent coverages was the Submission of a Memorandum for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill held on the 21st of September. There, Sommie, alongside millions of other Nigerian women, advocated for a stronger representation for Nigerian women at the National Assembly.
Sommie’s voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory.