The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, died after jumping from the top floor of her apartment during an armed robbery on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The clarification comes amid earlier reports suggesting her death may have resulted from alleged medical negligence at Maitama General Hospital, where she was taken for treatment.
Speaking to Arise News on Wednesday, FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, confirmed that officers found Maduagwu unconscious at the scene in Katampe and immediately rushed her to the hospital.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors attempted to resuscitate her with CPR, but sadly, she did not survive,” Adewale said.
He explained that armed robbers had stormed Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with 18 flats located around the Gishiri axis of Katampe, under the Mabushi Division. During the invasion, one of two private security guards on duty was shot after confronting the attackers.
“In the panic that followed, Sommie, who lived on the top floor, jumped from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and deeply unfortunate,” the Commissioner added.
Adewale said an investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) had been set up to track down the assailants.
“We are working all leads. A special team, including all tactical units, is on the case. No stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
Arise News officially announced Maduagwu’s death on Tuesday, September 30, expressing profound grief and initially attributing her death to alleged hospital negligence.
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), journalists, and press freedom advocates have condemned the attack, citing growing insecurity and concerns about the responsiveness of emergency medical services.
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu are among prominent Nigerians who have mourned Maduagwu’s passing and called for swift justice.
