The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the death of a news anchor with Arise News Channel, Ms. Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Adewale, described the incident as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” while commiserating with the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the media community.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command said Adewale had ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the killing.
The statement partly read, “The FCT commissioner of police has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served. ”
The CP also directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to track down the perpetrators.
“To this end, he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime, ” he said.
The commissioner urged residents to support the investigation by providing timely and useful information to the police and to raise prompt alarm in suspicious situations to forestall similar crimes.
This is not the first time media professionals have been killed in robbery-related incidents in the Federal Capital Territory.
On June 14, 2024, Azubuko Nwakama, a staff member of Liberty Radio, was attacked and robbed at Panteka Market in Mpape. After more than a year of investigation, the police announced the arrest of three suspects in August 2025.
In January 2019, Chris Edoga, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Abuja, was attacked by armed robbers at his home in the Gwagwalada area. The hoodlums broke into his apartment, stabbed him, and carted away valuables. He was rushed to the hospital by good Samaritans but died the following day.
Similarly, on September 1, 2019, an AIT journalist in Abuja lost his life after falling victim to a “one-chance” robbery syndicate. He was attacked, robbed, and fatally stabbed by the operators.
