The father of late ARISE TV news anchor, Somtochukwu Christele Maduagwu, has rejected police claims that his daughter fell from the third floor of her Abuja apartment while allegedly trying to escape an armed robbery.
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In an exclusive interview with BBC Igbo, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu described the official explanation as “funny” and insisted that Somtochukwu, known as Sommie, would never have jumped from a high-rise building. He revealed that he was working on an offshore rig when he received the devastating news from his son in Budapest.
“What I know is that my daughter, Somtochukwu Christele Maduagwu, whom I bore, cannot jump from a building. Somebody telling me that she jumped, or that an armed robber claimed holding her and her weight caused her to fall, looks funny. I believe my daughter was murdered,” he said.
He added, “Sommie valued her life greatly. If placed in such a situation, she would never jump. I urge the Police to conduct a thorough investigation and uncover the truth, because the facts have not yet been revealed.”
The late journalist died on September 29, 2025, following the armed robbery at her apartment in Katampe, Abuja. According to reports, assailants invaded her home at night, and she was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.
Somtochukwu’s funeral was held last Saturday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, Anambra State, with burial following around 1:30 p.m. During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie consoled the bereaved family and celebrated her life as meaningful and impactful.
Her death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s media community. Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, friends, and prominent Nigerians, who remembered her as intelligent, hardworking, and full of promise.
Saturday’s burial drew a large turnout, including journalists, government officials, and members of the Agulu community, all of whom paid their respects to a rising media star whose life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, humility, and hope.
The family’s rejection of the police narrative raises questions about the circumstances of Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s death, prompting calls for a comprehensive investigation to clarify whether foul play was involved.
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