The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Maduagwu

  • NUJ FCT mourns Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, demands justice

    NUJ FCT mourns Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu, demands justice

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Arise Television anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025.

    In a condolence message signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described Maduagwu as a brilliant and dedicated journalist whose professionalism and poise left a lasting impression on colleagues and viewers.

    The Council extended condolences to her family, friends, and Arise Television, stressing that her untimely death highlights Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

    It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough forensic investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

    In honour of her memory, the NUJ urged members of the media community to reflect on the values Somtochukwu upheld: integrity, excellence, and service to society, while offering prayers and support to her grieving family.

    “Though her life was brief, her impact was profound. May her legacy continue to inspire courage and truth in journalism.”

    The NUJ FCT Council prayed for strength and comfort for her loved ones, and called on journalists across the country to remain united, vigilant, and supportive of one another during this period of collective mourning.

  • Maduagwu: ARISE anchors blame hospital negligence for correspondent’s death

    Maduagwu: ARISE anchors blame hospital negligence for correspondent’s death

    Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical care after sustaining injuries during a robbery at her Abuja residence on Monday.

    During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described her death as tragic and preventable, highlighting both the dangers journalists face and the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    Okpe recounted that Maduagwu had jumped from her home to escape 14 armed robbers and survived the fall, but later died after allegedly being refused treatment at a General Hospital in Abuja.

     “She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.

    “She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,” Okpe said.

    The hospital staff reportedly demanded identification documents before attending to her, which led to a delay in treatment.

    The alleged denial of medical attention has sparked outrage among her colleagues, who describe it as a preventable death.

    Dr. Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, stating that it was a violation of medical ethics and the law, which requires immediate treatment for accident victims.

    Abati said, “This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident… should be treated immediately.

    “But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.”

    He added, “I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty… Lives could have been saved.”

    Abati also reflected on the risks faced by journalists, describing the profession as one that “can lead to a pathway of death.”

    “This job that we do is a very dangerous one. Unfortunately, a young woman has fallen,” he said.

    Maduagwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many paying tribute to her courage and professionalism.

    Her final post on X in August, where she prayed that Nigeria’s challenges would not affect her or her loved ones, has resurfaced, adding to the emotional impact of her passing.

    “I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about”, she had written.

    The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, and there are calls for justice and accountability for those responsible.

  • I’ve buried 42 persons since I started sickle cell advocacy – Maduagwu

    I’ve buried 42 persons since I started sickle cell advocacy – Maduagwu

    The director of Sickle Cell Orphanage Home, Nwagu, Agulu, Anambra State, Aisha Edwards Maduagwu, has warned intending couples to stop falsifying their genotype status to avoid producing children with sickle cell diseases.

    She said sincerity to spouses ahead of marriage would go a long way to reducing the number of sickle cell patients.

    Speaking weekend during a visit to the home by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the State, Maduagwu said she had buried 42 sickle cell victims since she started sickle cell advocacy.

    She also warned against spiritualising sickle cell issues, saying God’s miracle was only manifested in the wisdom he gave man to dictate that SS carriers were not matchable as far as marriage was concerned.

    She said: “I left the Nigerian army to take up this advocacy because as someone living with SCD, I feel the way of reciprocating God’s love for me is to give back to society and God who gave me the opportunity to live and raise children up to university level.

    “Take our genotype message to anyone that cares to listen. The genotype issue is real and can’t be spiritualised. The miracle of God here is the intelligence he gave to man that SS can’t marry SS.

    “These children are rejected by their own family members because they feel frustrated and can no longer manage their health conditions.

    “The worst thing that can happen to one on earth is being rejected by one’s parents. That’s the situation of the children I manage here, very sympathetic and heartbreaking.

    “This is the first sickle cell orphanage in Nigeria. Ever since we set up this home, we’ve lost only a child, an orphan, and the only surviving child in the family, a kidney problem. I’ve buried a total of 42 persons since I started this advocacy.”

    Appreciating the NUJ members for the visit which she described as timely, Maduagwu urged spirited individuals to support the home to better the lives of the children.

    Read Also: Don: we’re epicentre of global sickle cell anaemia

    “You came with exactly what the children are lacking, cartons of biscuits and indomie, toiletries, oil, cash, and especially crayfish which is very nutritious for the children,” she said.

    Earlier, Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka commended the commitment of the management of the home in taking care of the children, assuring them that their efforts were not in vain.

    Odogwu, represented by the secretary of the press week committee, Chigozie Chukwuleta said: “We’re here with these gifts items to support what you’re doing children as part of our activities marking the Union’s annual Press Week.”

    The NUJ team also paid a visit to the Faith community children’s home, where toiletries and food items with cash donations were also presented to the inmates.

    The administrator of the home, Ifeyinwa Onuorah thanked members of the Union for their love, care, prayers, and donations, praying God to reward them bountifully.

  • I was offered N3 million to ‘paint’ Mohbad’s wife as prime suspect, Maduagwu claims

    I was offered N3 million to ‘paint’ Mohbad’s wife as prime suspect, Maduagwu claims

    Controversial actor, Uche Maduwagwu, has made weighty allegations about undisclosed individuals offering him the sum of N3 million to defame the late Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi.

    He claimed three days after Mohad’s death, he was given an offer of a few million to twist the already contentious narrative surrounding the rapper’s passing.

    Maduagwu alleged he was instructed on things to say including making a demand for a DNA test from the singer’s wife on their son.

    He said the incident took place in the Lekki environs precisely on September 15, where he was instructed to lie that Mohbad didn’t biologically father his son.

    He said: “My people, I just have to say this right now. See, I was offered N3 million in Lekki, exactly on the 15th of September.

    “The person who approached me said I should come to social media and twist the story. That I should say it was Mohbad’s wife that’s involved in this case, and she is the number one suspect.

    “They asked me to say she should go and do a DNA test for her child, that he isn’t Mohbad’s. I said to myself, ‘I’m not Mohbad’s family member, I’m not his father; I’m not even his best friend.’

    The Instagram actor admitted his present living condition tempted him to accept the offer but he ultimately declined owing to ‘tomorrow’s uncertainties’.

    Read Also: Uche Maduagwu congratulates Chioma, Rita Dominic over awaiting babies

    He noted: “My people, I was tempted because I’m hungry, I need money. But I said to myself that I will not do things because no one knows tomorrow.”

    Maduagwu suggested with the recent turnout of events, seeing how the case has become even more complicated, he was certain the individuals who approached him then finally got other people who agreed to do their bidding.

    He added: “My people, if I see the person that approached me that day, if I see the picture; I recognize him. Now, they are trying to twist the narrative. Now, I realize this is the reason why they approached me. Apparently, they’ve gone to meet other people.”