The parents of late Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu “Sommie” Christelle Maduagwu, have urged the Federal Government to identify and prosecute those responsible for her killing in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The appeal was made during a condolence visit to the Maduagwu family in Port Harcourt by the senior management of Arise News, led by Deputy Managing Director, Bayo Awosemo, alongside Director of News (Abuja), Sumner Sambo, and Director of Corporate Services (Abuja), Chris Isiguzo.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, commended Arise News for its support but challenged the station to sustain pressure until the perpetrators were brought to justice.
The team conveyed the condolences of the Arise Media Group and paid glowing tributes to Sommie, who was described as intelligent, dedicated, and passionate about her work as a lawyer-turned-journalist.
Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, also expressed sadness over the incident, calling on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.
The deceased’s father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was said to be too grief-stricken to speak during the visit.
Sympathisers have continued to describe Sommie as a promising broadcaster with integrity and commitment to her profession.
Sommie was killed in an armed robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja. She was 29.
