POLICE BEGIN PROBE INTO MURDER OF ARISE TV ANCHOR
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the passing of a news anchor with Arise News Channel, Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was fatally injured during an armed robbery at her Katampe home in Abuja on Monday.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, characterized the event as a “brutal and irrational act that has no place in a civilized society,” while expressing condolences to the family, colleagues, and the media fraternity.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command indicated that Adewale had mandated a thorough and discreet inquiry into the events surrounding the homicide.
The statement partially stated, “The FCT commissioner of police has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
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The Commissioner further commanded the allocation of intelligence and operational resources to locate the offenders.
“To this end, he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” he stated.
The Commissioner urged residents to contribute to the investigation by providing timely and pertinent information to the police and to promptly report any suspicious activities to prevent similar offenses.
This is not the first occurrence of media professionals being murdered in robbery-related incidents in the Federal Capital Territory.
On June 14, 2024, Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio, was assaulted and robbed at Panteka Market in Mpape. After over a year of investigation, the police announced the capture of three suspects in August 2025.
In January 2019, Chris Edoga, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Abuja, was attacked by armed robbers at his residence in the Gwagwalada area. The assailants broke into his apartment, inflicted stab wounds, and stole valuables. He was transported to the hospital by good Samaritans but succumbed the following day.
Likewise, on September 1, 2019, an AIT journalist in Abuja lost his life after becoming a victim of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate. He was assaulted, robbed, and fatally stabbed by the perpetrators.
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