ARISE News has announced that Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a correspondent and anchor tragically killed during an armed robbery in Abuja, will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in her hometown of Agulu, Anambra State.
Somtochukwu, affectionately known as “Sommie” by colleagues, died on September 29, 2025, after armed robbers invaded her apartment complex in the Katampe District of Abuja at around 3:30 a.m.
The six-flat residential building was targeted by about 14 armed men who moved from apartment to apartment stealing residents’ belongings. In the chaos, an attempt to escape led Somtochukwu to jump from her apartment window, resulting in severe injuries that proved fatal.
Her short life and career have been marked by dedication to journalism, and her sudden death has shocked colleagues and the Nigerian media community.
ARISE News has planned several tribute events including an evening of tributes on October 12 at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja and a service of songs on October 15 at the Corpus Christi Cathedral in Port Harcourt.
The Federal Capital Territory Police have arrested 12 suspects connected to the robbery following a special operation led by ACP Victor Godfrey and the Scorpion Squad.
Among the suspects arrested are young men from Katsina, Kaduna, and Borno states, all of whom have confessed involvement in the robbery and other related crimes.
Police revealed tragic details including Shamsudeen Hassan’s admission to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, who tried to stop the robbers from entering the complex. Another suspect, Sani Sirajo, stated that he tried to stop Somtochukwu from falling but was overpowered by her weight. Items recovered from the suspects include weapons, ammunition, and stolen phones.
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