The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the death of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor, reporter, and producer with Arise News Channel, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, on Monday.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described the incident as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” while extending condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the media community.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner had ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“The FCT Commissioner of Police extends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her Katampe residence in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025,” the statement read in part.
The Commissioner assured that the police remain fully committed to ensuring justice is served. He also directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to track down the perpetrators and urged residents to assist by providing timely information and reporting suspicious activities.
This latest tragedy adds to a series of robbery-related killings of journalists in Abuja. On June 14, 2024, Liberty Radio staff member Azubuko Nwakama was attacked at Panteka Market in Mpape. After more than a year of investigation, three suspects were arrested in August 2025.
In January 2019, Radio Nigeria journalist Chris Edoga was fatally attacked by armed robbers in his Gwagwalada home. Similarly, on September 1, 2019, an AIT journalist was stabbed to death by a “one-chance” robbery syndicate in Abuja.
