The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor and producer at Arise News Channel, who died following an armed robbery at her Abuja residence on September 29, 2025. The IPC demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, as stated by Communications Officer Olutoyin Ayoade.
According to SaharaReporters, Maduagwu, popularly known as Sommie, died due to negligence by the Nigeria Police Force. Armed robbers stormed her six-flat apartment complex, robbing residents systematically. Although alerted, police failed to respond promptly. Fearing for her life, Maduagwu jumped from her window to escape, sustaining severe injuries. A family friend, Kaanayo Nwachukwu, noted that she was still alive when police finally arrived but was denied immediate treatment at Maitama District Hospital due to demands for identification. She later succumbed to her injuries.
IPC’s Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, expressed deep sorrow and condemned the systemic failures that contributed to her death. “We demand a thorough, independent investigation and the prompt prosecution of those responsible,” he said, warning that inaction fosters impunity, endangering journalists and press freedom. The IPC highlighted that between 1992 and 2024, at least 22 journalists in Nigeria died under suspicious circumstances, with 45 attacks on journalists and three on media outlets recorded in 2024 alone, many unresolved.
The IPC urged the Nigeria Police Force and FCT Command to conduct a transparent probe and release findings publicly. It also called for reforms in Nigeria’s emergency response and healthcare systems, demanding that hospital authorities explain the delay in treating Maduagwu and ensure such failures are not repeated. The organization appealed to media bodies, civil society, and professionals to demand accountability and justice, citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The IPC extended condolences to Maduagwu’s family, Arise News, and her colleagues.
