Family of slain ARISE Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu demands justice

The grieving family of ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently track down and prosecute those responsible for her brutal killing in Abuja.

The appeal came on Tuesday during a condolence visit by senior executives of the ARISE Media Group to the Maduagwu family residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Somtochukwu, affectionately known as Sommie, was killed in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

The 29-year-old lawyer-turned-journalist had quickly risen in Nigeria’s media landscape for her incisive reporting, engaging interviews, and dedication to social justice issues. Her death has sparked outrage and mourning across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, condemned the killing as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful,” stressing that the family wants more than condolences — they want accountability.

“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.

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The ARISE delegation was led by Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Bayo Awosemo, who was accompanied by Director of News, Mr. Sumner Sambo, and Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

While consoling the family, Mr. Isiguzo, who is also the current President of the Congress of African Journalists, spoke emotionally about his last encounter with the late anchor:

“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. Before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as usual. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense? We are heartbroken, but her legacy will endure.”

The atmosphere at the family home was somber, as Sommie’s mother wept uncontrollably and her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, remained too distraught to speak.

Friends, colleagues, relatives, and neighbours filled the home, recalling her brilliance, humility, and principled life.

Born on December 26, 1995, Somtochukwu studied law in Nigeria and the UK before transitioning into journalism, where she quickly distinguished herself. At ARISE News, she worked as a reporter, producer, and anchor, gaining respect for her coverage of legal issues, gender rights, and governance.

Director of News, Mr. Sumner Sambo, assured the family that ARISE News would continue to demand accountability: “No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime.”

Her killing has reignited calls for stronger protection of journalists in Nigeria and renewed debate on the urgent need for security sector reforms.