Father of Arise TV Journalist Killed in Abuja Firmly Insists: “She Would Never Jump

Ifeanyi Maduagwu, father of the late Arise TV reporter Somtochukwu Maduagwu, has firmly dismissed reports suggesting his daughter died while fleeing armed robbers, asserting instead that she was deliberately killed.
Somtochukwu, affectionately known as Sommie, tragically passed away on the evening of September 29 following a violent home invasion in Abuja’s Katampe district.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Igbo, Mr. Maduagwu expressed skepticism about the official narrative, emphasizing inconsistencies and calling on law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation to reveal the actual circumstances.
“My eldest daughter, Sommie Tochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, whom I raised, would never have leapt from a three-story building. The story that she jumped, and that an armed robber tried to hold her but was overwhelmed by her weight causing her to fall, is implausible. I am convinced she was murdered.”
“Sommie cherished her life deeply. If you placed her on a table and asked her to jump, she wouldn’t. Jumping from such a height is simply unthinkable. This narrative is false,” he stated. “I urge the police to dig deeper to uncover the truth because it remains concealed.”
During the attack, the estate’s security officer, Barnabas Danlami, was fatally shot. Reports claim Somtochukwu fell from the third floor while trying to escape the assailants.
Nevertheless, her father disputes the accidental fall explanation and expressed sorrow over the delayed medical response she received.
He lamented, “I was told help was called immediately, but no one arrived promptly. Even at the hospital, treatment was postponed because they requested her identification documents. These delays were heartbreaking.”
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the detention of 12 individuals suspected of involvement in the robbery that resulted in the journalist’s death.
The suspects-Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31)-were apprehended through coordinated operations spanning Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.
FCT Police Commissioner Ajao S. Adewale revealed that the arrests were made possible by the Scorpion Squad’s digital surveillance and intelligence collaboration with a private forensic company.
Confiscated items included a homemade AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, a pistol, 36 live bullets, a machete, nine flashlights, and four mobile phones belonging to victims.
One suspect, Shamsudeen Hassan, admitted to shooting the security guard during the raid. Investigations also uncovered that the gang’s firearms were sourced from suppliers in Niger Republic, highlighting a cross-border arms trafficking operation.
For Mr. Maduagwu, these arrests mark only the beginning. He insists on a comprehensive inquiry to determine if his daughter’s death was linked to her journalistic work.
“The full truth remains hidden,” he said. “I demand justice for my daughter. The world must understand she did not jump. Sommie was vibrant and full of aspirations.”
He fondly recalled their final conversation, highlighting her dedication to societal progress and her ambition to enter politics.
“We discussed many things, but what warmed my heart was her readiness to settle down soon. She was passionate about making life better for others and dreamed of becoming a senator one day.”
Somtochukwu was laid to rest on Saturday in her hometown of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The burial followed a funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
Family members, friends, colleagues, and notable figures, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, attended the ceremony to honor her memory.