Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a beloved news anchor for Arise TV, jumped three stories to her death in a desperate attempt to escape armed robbers who invaded her residence in Nigeria. She was 29.
A security guard was also killed in the chaos at the upscale Unique Apartments in Katampe, Abuja.
Maduagwu, known affectionately as “Sommie,” died after four armed men burst into her residence in the early morning hours of Monday, Sept. 29.
Neighbors said they heard the news anchor scream, “Jesus, Jesus!” before she jumped from her third floor balcony. She was breathing but unresponsive when police arrived. They transported her to Maitama General Hospital, where she died.
Ojy Okpe, speaking on the Arise News Morning Show, said the hospital refused to treat Maduagwu due to a lack of identification.
Happy Valentine’s Day ??? pic.twitter.com/vKTgixFlAm
— Sommie Maduagwu (@Sommie_xo) February 14, 2024
Maduagwu’s death was announced by Arise TV on the station’s X (Twitter) account.
“It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu,” the spokesperson wrote.
The statement continued: “Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.”
Neighbors reported armed men breaking into multiple apartments in the complex.
One neighbor wrote, “About past 3am, I woke up stark naked to about 4 armed men who broke down my door and rushed in with machete & guns. They robbed all 18 flats in my building — cash, electronics, 2 cars (1 being a diplomatic car) — killed 2 people (sommie & a security). still traumatized & in shock.”
Maduagwu was known for her advocacy on gender-based violence and education reform.
The former beauty queen won the Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant in 2023. She went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World pageant in China.
Maduagwu was active on social media. She was a fan of Real Housewives of Atlanta and pop singer Rihanna.
In an X post dated Sept. 24, she retweeted an image of Rihanna with her newborn daughter.
????? https://t.co/Rp2NHY3Ljk
— Sommie Maduagwu (@Sommie_xo) September 24, 2025
I’m living breathing proof that things can change. That the saving gift of grace, it really stays. ?
— Sommie Maduagwu (@Sommie_xo) September 21, 2025
Wow KMichelle as a housewife is not something I thought I would ever see. I can’t wait for the new season https://t.co/299M6OSUWs
— Sommie Maduagwu (@Sommie_xo) August 25, 2025
Maduagwu lived life to the fullest. But she expressed concern about the violence in lawless Nigeria.
In a tweet dated August 14, she wrote: “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.”
