Family Urges FG: Find Sommie’s Killers as Arise Condoles

The family of slain ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently identify and prosecute her killers.

The emotional appeal was made on Tuesday when senior management of the ARISE Media Group paid a condolence visit to the Maduagwu family residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Somtochukwu, fondly called Sommie, was murdered in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. She was 29. The lawyer-turned-journalist had been on a fast-rising career trajectory before her life was cut short, sparking widespread grief and outrage across Nigeria’s media and civil society.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the killing as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.” While appreciating ARISE News for standing with them, he demanded justice and accountability from the authorities.

“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.

Leading the ARISE delegation was Deputy Managing Director Bayo Awosemo, who was accompanied by Sumner Sambo, Director of News; and Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former NUJ President. They conveyed the condolences of the ARISE Media Group, praising Sommie’s professionalism, strong values, and dedication to journalism.

Isiguzo, who also serves as President of the Congress of African Journalists, gave an emotional account of his last encounter with her:

“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as always. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense? We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but her legacy will endure.”

During the visit, Sommie’s mother was visibly inconsolable, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too distraught to speak. The family home in Port Harcourt was filled with sympathisers, colleagues, and friends who described her as brilliant, humble, and principled—a rare gem in her generation.

Born on December 26, 1995, Somtochukwu studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom before transitioning into journalism. At ARISE News, she served as a reporter, producer, and anchor, renowned for her thoughtful interviews and coverage of legal issues, gender equity, and social justice.

Director of News, Sumner Sambo, assured the bereaved family that ARISE News would stand by them and pursue justice.

“No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime,” he vowed.

Her death has reignited calls for stronger protection of journalists and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.