The family of late ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently identify and prosecute those behind her killing.
Their demand came on Wednesday when senior executives of the ARISE Media Group paid a condolence visit to the Maduagwu family home in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Somtochukwu, fondly known as Sommie, was killed during an armed robbery attack at her Katampe, Abuja residence in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025. The 29-year-old lawyer-turned-journalist had been carving out a successful career in the media before her life was brutally cut short, sparking nationwide anger and grief across media and civil society circles.
Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described her death as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.” He thanked ARISE News for the show of solidarity but stressed that the family wanted accountability.
“We appreciate the solidarity shown by ARISE News, but we also demand justice. Those who did this must be found and brought to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The ARISE delegation was led by Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Bayo Awosemo, alongside Director of News, Mr. Sumner Sambo, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former NUJ President. They expressed the condolences of the organization and highlighted Sommie’s dedication, strong values, and professional excellence.
READ ALSO: Condolences Pour in for Slain Arise TV Journalist Sommie Maduagwu
Isiguzo, who also heads the Congress of African Journalists, shared his last memory of her:
“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as always. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense?
‘We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but ¹ legacy will endure.”
During the visit, Sommie’s mother was visibly shattered, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too overwhelmed to speak. The family home was filled with mourners, friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbours, all describing her as intelligent, principled, and humble.
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the UK before switching to journalism, where she thrived as a reporter, producer, and anchor at ARISE News. She gained recognition for her work on legal issues, gender rights, and social justice.
Director of News, Sumner Sambo, assured the family that the organization would keep pressing until justice is served, vowing: “No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime.”
Her killing has renewed calls for greater protection of journalists and sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s security system.