‘Justice for Sommie’: Family Urges FG to Find Killers as ARISE News Condoles with Maduagwu Family

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 those responsible for her murder.

The 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, popularly known as Sommie, was killed during an armed robbery at her home in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. The 29-year-old lawyer-turned-journalist, whose career was rapidly rising, was described as a brilliant and principled young professional. Her tragic death has sparked nationwide grief and outrage across media and civil society circles.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described her killing as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.” While thanking ARISE News for its solidarity, he stressed that the family demands justice.

> “We appreciate the support shown by ARISE News, but we also demand accountability. Those behind this must be found and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The ARISE delegation was led by Mr. Bayo Awosemo, Deputy Managing Director, alongside Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former NUJ President. They conveyed the organization’s condolences and paid tribute to Sommie’s dedication, values, and professionalism.

Isiguzo, who also serves as President of the Congress of African Journalists, recalled his last encounter with her:

> “We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. Before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged our usual pleasantries. Who would have thought hours later, we’d be speaking of her in the past tense?

We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but her legacy will live on.”

At the family home, Sommie’s mother was inconsolable, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too grief-stricken to speak. The house was filled with sympathisers—friends, relatives, neighbours, and colleagues—many of whom remembered her as humble, brilliant, and a rare gem of her generation.

Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom before transitioning to journalism, where she found her passion. At ARISE News, she worked as a reporter, producer, and anchor, distinguished for her insightful interviews and coverage of legal issues, gender equity, and social justice.

Reassuring the family, Sumner Sambo vowed that ARISE News would follow the matter through:

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

Her death has once again amplified calls for stronger protection of journalists and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security system.