FCT CP: Arise TV Presenter, Somtochukwu, Died When She Jumped From 3rd Floor To Escape From Armed Robbers

The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Saka Adewale, has given further insight into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who died in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, CP Adewale confirmed that the 29-year-old journalist died after jumping from the top floor of her Katampe apartment during a violent armed robbery incident.

According to him, armed robbers stormed Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin residential building with 18 flats located around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under Mabushi Police Division. The building had two private security guards on duty at the time, but one of them was shot while attempting to resist the attackers.

“In the panic that followed the invasion, Somtochukwu, who lived on the topmost floor of the building, jumped down from the third storey in a desperate attempt to escape. Sadly, the consequences were tragic,” Adewale said.

Eyewitnesses and vigilantes in the compound confirmed that the journalist landed heavily on the cemented floor and was found unconscious in a critical condition. Neighbours quickly alerted security operatives, and the police arrived at the scene shortly after.

“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors battled to save her life. Despite efforts, including CPR, she could not be revived,” the Police Commissioner explained.

He described the incident as “ugly, disturbing, and deeply painful,” adding that the FCT Police Command had launched a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

“To ensure justice is served, we have set up a special investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation), with all tactical units of the Command involved. The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and I assure Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned until the culprits are brought to justice,” he stated.

Adewale also extended condolences to the family of the late journalist, her colleagues at Arise News, and Nigerians at large, noting that her untimely death was not only a personal loss but a blow to the media community and the nation.

Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly called Sommie by her colleagues, was known for her professionalism, dedication, and passion for journalism. Her tragic passing has left many in shock, reigniting concerns about insecurity in the nation’s capital.