Omoyele Sowore, Human rights activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, on Tuesday in Abuja, berated the Nigeria Police Force over the tragic death of Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, describing it as a glaring example of how “Nigeria kills its brightest.”
Speaking with journalists outside the Federal High Court, where he is facing controversial charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), Sowore accused the police of negligence and systemic failure that directly led to the journalist’s death.
“They robbed every flat in that building. They called the police. Police did not show up until after she had jumped out of her window, gotten injured, and had no emergency support. She was found alive by the police, but when she had to be taken to the hospital, the police said they had no fuel in their car,” Sowore said.
“Maybe, maybe, if the police had not allowed their car to be stolen by thieves, maybe that car could have helped. So there’s a fundamental problem here. Her own tragedy is just symptomatic. But I feel so bad for her… Nigeria happened to her.”
Sowore broadened his criticism to the wider insecurity crisis in the country, lamenting that ordinary Nigerians are being killed “in droves” in Zamfara, Kaduna, Benue, and other states while the government and security agencies chase trivialities.
“The people that should be prosecuted by the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) are those engaging in banditry and terrorism. But the DPP is probably one of those meeting with them in Zamfara and taking selfies. If I were a terrorist, they would negotiate with me instead of dragging me to court,” Sowore fumed.
Naija News House earlier reported how Somtochukwu, popularly called Sommie, died on Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja.
Fresh details by one Kaanayo Nwachukwu, who identified himself as a family friend, revealed that armed robbers stormed the six-flat apartment complex, moving from one flat to another.
Terrified by the commotion, Sommie attempted to escape before the robbers reached her apartment. She jumped from her window, sustaining severe injuries.
When the police eventually arrived minutes later, she was still alive. But according to Nwachukwu, eyewitnesses said the officers refused to take her to the hospital, claiming their patrol vehicle had no fuel.
Sommie managed to reach out to her mother’s close friend in Abuja for help, but by the time the woman arrived, she had died.
“That’s how Nigeria happened to this young, vibrant, promising star,” Nwachukwu lamented.
However, according to her colleague Ojy Okpe, who relayed the account of the station’s Abuja correspondent, Sommie jumped from her window after learning that around 14 armed robbers had stormed the building.
“And she did not die on the spot, she went to the hospital, and she was rejected,” she said.
“Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital rejected her.”
Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie returned to Nigeria after studying law in the UK. She attended the Nigerian Law School and joined Arise TV in 2024.
Her death has sparked outrage nationwide, with many Nigerians citing her case as another grim indictment of insecurity, poor emergency response, and state failure.
In a statement signed by its management, Arise TV described Sommie as “a vibrant voice who engaged and connected with viewers,” and demanded a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.