ARISE News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu killed in Abuja armed robbery

Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor, reporter and producer with ARISE News, was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, the broadcaster and police said. ARISE News said management was “in shock” and called for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of those responsible.

The Federal Capital Territory Police confirmed the incident and said investigations have begun. Police Public Relations Officer Josephine Adeh said, “Yes, we are aware and investigation has commenced.” The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ajao Adewale, has directed tactical teams, including the Special Anti Robbery Squad and the Special Intelligence Unit, to take over the inquiry and deploy scene-of-crime experts, officials said. Local police sources told reporters that Maduagwu lived alone in Katampe and that her parents are based in Port Harcourt.

ARISE News described Maduagwu, known to colleagues as Sommie, as a vibrant broadcaster whose work “engaged and connected” with viewers. Born on December 26, 1995, she trained as a lawyer and held legal roles at several organisations before...