TRAGIC DEATH : SOMTOCHUKWU CHRISTELLE MADUAGWU
December 26, 1995 - September 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of the ARISE News Channel announce the passing of our beloved colleague, News Anchor, Reporter and Producer, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu. Sommie tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025 following an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja that is being investigated by the Nigeria Police.
Sommie, 29, was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.
Beyond the airwaves, Sommie was a lawyer who was a professional and supportive colleague and a friend to many.
We extend our deepest condolences to Sommie’s parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time. Sommie’s voice is now silent but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension and prosecution of the culprits.
Hadiza Usman-Ajayi
For Management
We Are Currently In An Era Of Ultra Nationalism — Abdulkadir
Citizens of various countries are saying they want their country to themselves. It is not only in Africa but all over the world. It’s happening in Europe, it’s happening in the U.S where citizens, politicians and political actors are saying it is their turn to own their country.
Alkasim Abdulkadir
Arise Foreign Affairs Analyst
We Are Now Closer To True Federalism And Responsible Policing — Tietie
What we will now experience is the police force will now be a shared responsibility. You can’t continue to blame the President for what happens in hinterlands just because he controls the central security when indeed he shouldn’t because we are a federation. Governors can now take responsibility for policing and that is what federalism should be.
Frank Tietie
Lawyer | Arise Analyst
I Challenge Kenneth Okonkwo To Face off With Peter Obi In Court — Atuejide
He should disclose everything he has against Peter Obi that incriminates him. I’m following Peter Obi will all my heart, I don’t want to follow anyone with criminal records, I don’t want to follow a man the public cannot scrutinise.
Eunice Atuejide
Former Presidential Candidate, National Interest Party
The Agenda Is To Bring NDC To Its Knees — Paul
To the best of my knowledge, Peter Obi did not nominate any candidate. People are trying in all ways to ensure there is chaos and anarchy within the NDC.
Moses Paul
Chairmanship Candidate, Abuja Municipal Area Council
Peter Obi Was Never Involved In Candidates’ Elections — Atuejide
Peter Obi himself had to go through the same process as everybody else. He was not even allowed to nominate people from his own constituency being Anambra State.
Eunice Atuejide
Former Presidential Candidate, National Interest Party
Tinubu vows equitable distribution of democracy dividends across FCT, inaugurates Kuje-Airport Expressway and promises inclusive development. https://t.co/jx73tJ2BzQ
South Africa’s Economic Presence In Nigeria Is Exaggerated — Enikanolaiye
We need to dig deeper into those assertions as regards to South African companies flourishing in Nigeria. ShopRite has been bought, the level of ownership of South Africans in MTN has reduced, DSTV is facing stiff competition.
Amb Sola Enikanolaiye
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
This Is An Afrophobic Challenge Not Necessarily Xenophobic — Enikanolaiye
We are not satisfied with the way and manner South Africa has handled this challenge. We have found out non-Africans are not being targeted. There are other nationals outside of Africa who are residents in South Africa and are living peacefully.
Amb Sola Enikanolaiye
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Xenophobia: This Is Not A Diplomatic Crisis Between Nigeria And South Africa — Enikanolaiye
We believe it’s a phase, we believe it’s something we can tackle using the instrumentality of diplomacy including the existing mechanisms we have in place. Our job is to activate those mechanisms, deepen our partnership, collaboration, and corporation with South Africa with a view to securing better protection for Nigerians that choose to remain there.
Amb Sola Enikanolaiye
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Xenophobia: l Was Denied My Husband’s Corpse By A South African Woman — Godwin
My husband was shot and buried like a stray animal last December. He has been in SA since 2003 hustling for his family. Many Nigerians in South Africa are suffering and are dying.
Emilia Godwin
South Africa Evacuees
Senate passes state police bill for second reading, seeks stronger local policing structure to address Nigeria’s rising insecurity challenges. https://t.co/4JTpOXvOvR
#EndBadGovernance coalition calls for 48-hour nationwide strike, probes security votes, and calls for release of abducted Nigerians. https://t.co/hMSY5ULjIM
NSCDC confirms five operatives injured in Delta train derailment accident, assures public of safety along railway corridor in the state. https://t.co/1HyXgBzoyb
Fubara says democracy best suits Nigeria’s diversity and urges citizens to sustain unity, accountability and democratic values. https://t.co/grIOCSiEXl