Fresh details reveal how Arise Tv anchor jumped from storey building during robbery

More information has come to light regarding the heartbreaking death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and producer with Arise Television, who was killed during a violent armed robbery at her residence in Abuja.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 3 a.m., when about 15 armed men invaded Unique Apartments, a four-storey building with 16 flats located in Katampe.

According to eyewitness accounts, security guards on duty at the premises raised an alarm and contacted the police as the invasion unfolded. Unfortunately, there was no immediate response from law enforcement.

Both he and Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, were rushed to Maitama District Hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

Relatives alleged that hospital staff initially refused to administer treatment because identification documents were not provided, a delay they claimed worsened the situation and contributed to her death.

On Tuesday, Arise Television aired a tribute programme, Sommie Maduagwu: A Life Cut Short, during which colleagues poured out emotional tributes.

Speaking on The Morning Show, presenter Ojinika Okpe revealed that Maduagwu attempted to escape the assailants by jumping from her apartment.

“She jumped down from her home when she heard about 14 armed robbers came to her home. She did not die on the spot. She went to the hospital, and she was rejected. Her life could have been saved, but the hospital rejected her,” Okpe said.

Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV co-anchor, demanded a full investigation into the conduct of medical staff at Maitama District Hospital, while also urging security agencies to thoroughly probe the entire incident.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu was a trained lawyer before venturing into broadcast journalism.

Her sudden death has left the media industry in shock and sparked renewed concerns about insecurity and lapses in Nigeria’s health system.