FCT Police: True Story of How Arise News Anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Died

The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Ajao Adewale, has given an official account of the circumstances surrounding the death of Arise News anchor, Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, and tried to correct some mistaken accounts about her demise.

The step, Adewale said, became necessary in order to dispel the rumours and conflicting reports flying everywhere about how the tragedy actually occurred.

The police boss said that contrary to some misinformation making the rounds, Miss. Maduagwu jumped from her third floor apartment in the estate where she lived in the Katampe area of Abuja during an active armed robbery operation.

CP Adewale further disclosed that Maduagwu became afraid during the robbery attack and decided to jump out of her three-storey building for safety. Unfortunately, the plunge ended her life.

The police boss described the robbery incident as a cruel and senseless act that had no place in a sane society. He assured Nigerians that the FCT Police Command is resolutely committed to solving the heinous crime and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

“The FCT Police Command, once again, commiserate with the family of Somtochukwu and the entire Nigerians that are recently touched with this ugly incident,” the police boss said.

“Regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, to set the record straight, some armed robbers, specifically, gained access into Unique Apartments, where Somtochukwu lived, a three-storey building of 18-flat apartments around Katampe in Abuja.

“Two guards were on duty. These are private guards, and one of them, who had the courage to challenge them, sustained a gunshot.

“Somtochukwu actually occupied an apartment on the topmost floor of the building, and out of the fear, she jumped down from that third floor.

“It is sad, so unfortunate. But when the policemen moved to the scene, what they could see was the unconscious body of Somtochukwu on the floor.

“They picked her there and then and took her to Maitama General Hospital, where the doctors on duty tried as much as possible to see whether they could resuscitate her using the CPR, but unfortunately they couldn’t make it. That’s the story.”

Adewale informed that the command had set up a specific investigation team headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigation, to solve the crime and unravel the whole situation with a view to tracking down the culprits.

“The lead we are getting, we’re already working on it,” Adwale said. “No stone will be left unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked and brought to justice, and the results of the investigation will be made known to Nigeria.”

Adewale disclosed that the FCT police command had in the past arrested and neutralised bandits in Abuja and recovered weapons and ammunition from them.

In the meantime, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has condoled with the Maduagwu family and Arise News Television, over the tragic death of the rising  star in Nigeria’s journalism firmament.

In his condolences, Fubara expressed shock and sadness over the “heart-breaking demise of the 29-year-old brilliant lawyer and exceptional personality in Nigeria’s bustling media industry, Ms Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu”.

His words: “Somtochukwu, one of the shining stars that our dear state bequeathed to Nigeria and the world, was not just a distinguished journalist; she was an embodiment of kindness, humility, brilliance, resilience, and hope of a brighter future for Nigerian youths.

“Her voice on ARISE News Television was an inspiration to millions, her passion for Justice reflected in her legal mind; and her humility and persistence while probing for the truth, a latent pointer to her professionalism.”

In the statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara stated: “Losing Sommie at this time is an unwholesome tragedy to her family, our dear Rivers State, and indeed, our country.

“I regret the circumstances of this unfortunate incident, knowing that the vacuum created by her death cannot be filled. We, however, take solace in the fact that the federal government has ordered the appropriate security agencies to ensure that justice is served in this case.”

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has also condoled with the Arise News Television/Thisday Family, lamenting and decrying the tragic death of Miss. Maduagwu.

In a statement that he personally signed, the former Ebonyi State governor said: “I heartily offer my deepest compassion to her family, associates, sympathisers, and institutions, especially the management of Arise TV, whose emotions have been shattered by the irreparable loss of this amazing personality who made an incredible impact in the media and entertainment industry within the short period of her lifetime. May her wonderful memories comfort you during this heart-breaking time.

“While we pray God to grant eternal repose to this victim of societal criminal social space, we stand full square for her justice, and therefore call for a distinctive trail of those who circumstantially caused this calamity to bring them to justice.”