The family of murdered ARISE News journalist, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently find and prosecute those behind her gruesome killing in Abuja.
This appeal was made on Tuesday, during a condolence visit by senior management of the ARISE Media Group to the family’s residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Somtochukwu, fondly known as Sommie, was tragically killed during an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. She was only 29 years old.
A trained lawyer who transitioned into journalism, Sommie’s rising career was cut short in a brutal attack that has sparked outrage and grief across Nigeria’s media industry and civil society.
Speaking on behalf of the Maduagwu family, Engr. Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the young journalist’s death as senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.
“We appreciate the solidarity shown by ARISE News, but we also demand justice. Those who did this must be found and brought to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Engr. Maduagwu said the family was grateful for the outpouring of support but insisted that the best way to honour Sommie’s memory was to hold her killers accountable.
He stressed that the family expects the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure no cover-up or delay in the case.
Leading the ARISE News delegation was Mr. Bayo Awosemo, Deputy Managing Director, alongside Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The team described Sommie as a brilliant, hardworking journalist who brought professionalism and deep passion to her work.
“We are heartbroken. We cannot question God, but we will not allow her death to go unanswered,” said Chris Isiguzo, who is also the President of the Congress of African Journalists.
Isiguzo shared a personal memory of his last interaction with the late anchor.
“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. She was her usual cheerful self, fully prepared to go on air. Who could have imagined that hours later we would be mourning her?”
He added that Sommie’s voice may be silent, but her legacy will endure through her work and the values she stood for.
Sommie’s mother was visibly inconsolable during the visit, and her father, Engr. Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too distraught to speak. Their home was filled with sympathisers, colleagues, and neighbours, many of whom spoke about Sommie’s humility, brilliance, and principled character.
“She was a rare gem. You just don’t find people like Sommie every day,” one neighbour said.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, but later found her passion in journalism. She joined ARISE News as a reporter, anchor, and producer, and quickly earned a reputation for her clear-headed interviews and in-depth coverage of issues related to law, gender equity, and social justice.
Her programmes often focused on giving a voice to the voiceless, and she was widely seen as a rising star in Nigeria’s journalism space.
According to Director of News, Sumner Sambo, Sommie was known for her professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail. He assured the family that ARISE News would not rest until justice is served.
“No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime. We owe that to her memory, to her family, and to the profession,” Sambo stated.
Sommie’s death has sparked renewed calls for better protection for journalists in Nigeria. Media stakeholders and civil society groups have demanded urgent reforms in the country’s security architecture, especially regarding the rising cases of violence in urban areas.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other bodies have also called for a full-scale investigation, warning that failure to prosecute those behind Sommie’s killing could set a dangerous precedent.
