President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killing of Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor with Arise News Television.
Maduagwu was killed during an armed robbery at her home in Katampe, Abuja, in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the killing as “cruel and condemnable.”
“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner. Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” Tinubu said.
He also assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to strengthen measures to tackle crime and protect citizens.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed grief over the death, calling it “a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large.” In a condolence message to Arise Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, Idris described Maduagwu as “a vibrant and dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.”
Related Stories:
- Security Checks Begin for New INEC Chair
- Obasanjo Warns Out-of-School Children Could Fuel Future Boko Haram Recruitment
Governors also joined in mourning the late journalist. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, called the killing “a horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.” He warned that every delay in arresting the killers would inflict “colossal mental and institutional damage” on the country.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, described her passing as “a tragic and untimely death.” He praised her achievements at a young age, saying: “She had a great future ahead of her. At just 29, she had traversed the worlds of beauty pageantry, law, and the media with brilliance, panache, and poise.”
The newly inaugurated Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke on education earlier in the week, was also mentioned as part of broader discussions on insecurity and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, police have begun investigating the case, which comes amid rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory marked by violent robberies, “One Chance” attacks, and home invasions.