The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that Arise News correspondent Somtochukwu Maduagwu died after jumping from the top floor of her Katampe apartment during an armed robbery on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The clarification follows earlier reports suggesting her death was linked to alleged hospital negligence at Maitama General Hospital. In an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale said officers found Maduagwu unconscious at the scene and rushed her to the hospital.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” Adewale stated.
According to the police, the robbers targeted Unique Apartment, a three-story building with 18 flats in the Gishiri area of Katampe, under the Mabushi Divisional Area. Two private security guards were on duty, one of whom was shot while attempting to challenge the intruders.
“In the panic that followed, Sommie, who lived on the topmost floor, jumped from the third storey. The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” Adewale said.
He added that a dedicated investigation team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) and supported by tactical units, has been set up to track down the attackers. “No stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
Earlier reports by Punch Newspaper and statements from Arise News had suggested hospital negligence contributed to Maduagwu’s death. The incident has sparked nationwide reactions, with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and other media groups condemning the robbery and calling attention to rising insecurity and alleged lapses in emergency medical care.
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have mourned the journalist and urged that justice be served.
