The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed the murder of Somtochukwu Christelle, an Arise News Channel news anchor, who was killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe apartment in Abuja on Monday.
Ajao Adewale, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, described the tragedy as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” and expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the media community.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated on Tuesday that Adewale had ordered a discreet and comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The statement partly read, “The FCT commissioner of police has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a News Anchor, Reporter, and Producer with Arise News Channel, who tragically lost her life during an armed robbery incident at her residence in the Katampe area of Abuja in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Describing the incident as a cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society. The Commissioner of Police assured that the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
The police chief also directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to track down the perpetrators.
“To this end, he has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime,” he said.
The commissioner requested locals to help the investigation by submitting timely and meaningful information to the police, as well as to raise an alarm in suspicious situations to prevent future crimes.
This is not the first time that media personnel have been killed in robbery-related situations in the Federal Capital Territory.
On June 14, 2024, Liberty Radio employee Azubuko Nwakama was attacked and robbed at the Panteka Market in Mpappe.
Following more than a year of inquiry, the police reported the arrest of three individuals in August 2025.
