The father of late ARISE TV news anchor Somtochukwu Christele Maduagwu has dismissed police claims that his daughter fell from the third floor of her Abuja apartment while allegedly trying to escape an armed robbery.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Igbo, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu described the official explanation as “funny” and insisted that Somtochukwu, known as Sommie, would never have jumped from a high-rise building. He revealed that he received the devastating news from his son in Budapest while working on an offshore rig.
“What I know is that my daughter, whom I bore, cannot jump from a building. Somebody telling me that she jumped, or that an armed robber caused her to fall, looks funny. I believe my daughter was murdered,” he said. 
He added that Sommie valued her life and would never have put herself in such danger. He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
The journalist died on September 29, 2025, following an armed robbery at her apartment in Katampe, Abuja. Reports state that assailants invaded her home at night, and she was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital.
Somtochukwu’s funeral was held last Saturday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu, Anambra State, with burial following around 1:30 p.m. During the Mass, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie consoled the family and celebrated her life as meaningful and impactful.
Her death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s media community, with colleagues, friends, and prominent Nigerians paying tribute to her intelligence, hard work, and potential.
The large turnout at her burial, including journalists, government officials, and community members, reflected the high regard in which she was held. The family’s rejection of the police narrative has intensified calls for a comprehensive investigation to clarify the circumstances of Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s death.
