I know Sommie because I’m a friend of her mom- Kaanayo Nwachukwu
It took her mom 10 solid years to have Sommie after she got married. Her two younger siblings came later.
After highschool in Nigeria, her parents sent her to the UK to study law. On graduation, she returned to Nigeria and attended law school therein.
AriseTV hired her in 2024.
Sommie lived in a block of six flats in the FCT suburb of Katampe.
Initial reports said she was attacked and killed during an armed-robbery operation. That wasn’t the case.
Here’s exactly what happened.
The armed robbers came to her apartment complex. They went from one-flat-to-another, robbing their occupants. The police were called but they didn’t show. The commotion that trailed the robberies (which she heard from her flat) caused fear to grip Sommie. So, before the robbers made it to her own apartment, she jumped out through the window.
A few minutes after she hit the ground and hurt herself pretty bad, the police finally arrived.
Sommie was still alive when they did.
Eyewitnesses said Sommie begged and begged the police (profusely) to take her to the hospital for immediate medical treatment but they (the police) said they had no fuel in their vehicle with which to do so.
So, Sommie managed to put a call through to her mom’s best friend who lives close to her in Abuja (since her parents live in Port Harcourt). Before the woman could get to her, she had turned cold – gone: dead.
That’s how Nigeria happened to this young, vibrant, promising star.
SAD!!!
Rest in peace, Somtochukwu.
~ Kaanayo Nwachukwu
TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU
December 26, 1995 – September 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.
Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.
We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.
Hadiza Usman-Ajayi
For Management