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By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
The THISDAY Dome in Abuja’s Central Business District was the venue for a deeply moving night of tributes to Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, fondly known to all as Sommie. On the evening of October 12, 2025, many gathered from near and far — family, colleagues, friends, and notable figures — to honour the life and legacy of the young lawyer, model, news anchor and advocate whose promising journey ended tragically just two weeks prior. The evening was marked by heartfelt speeches, punctuated by worship songs from the Masterpiece Choir of The Baptising Church, Abuja, providing comforting spiritual interludes in an atmosphere heavy with grief, intimate family reminiscences and a profoundly emotional poetry reading by Sommie’s goddaughter, who wore the last gift Sommie gave her, a white dress from London.
The event swiftly moved beyond formalities into a collective expression of grief and a powerful call for justice. The room, though filled with attempts at composure, found itself awash in tears and mourning as memories of Sommie’s life intertwined with the harsh realities of the circumstances surrounding her death.
Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu was born on December 26, 1995, in London and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Educated in law at the University of Surrey in Guildford, she returned to Nigeria in 2021 after a productive stint in the UK legal and media sectors. Sommie was a legal executive and junior counsel before transitioning to broadcast journalism at Arise News in Abuja. She was a passionate campaigner for gender equality, covering women’s rights, legal issues and NGOs, while also maintaining a modelling career highlighted by earning first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Tourism Nigeria pageant and representing Nigeria internationally. Her unique combination of beauty, brains and activism inspired many, yet her life was tragically cut short on September 29, 2025, when she sustained fatal injuries fleeing an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe district of Abuja. The police quickly arrested 12 suspects linked to her death, including the gunman responsible for killing a security guard during the attack.
In his opening remarks, deputy managing director of Arise News, Bayo Awosemo, welcomed the gathering warmly and reflected deeply on Sommie’s brief but impactful career.
“Just a year ago, Sommie walked into the Arise newsroom to see me,” he recalled. “At first, there was skepticism because she was a former beauty queen with no background in broadcasting. Many thought, ‘This is not a beauty contest; let’s see how she fits in.’” But, Awosemo emphasised, “One year later, and following a very tragic and devastating passage, we are here presenting a performance appraisal. It’s not how long but how well. Sommie was not just beautiful, she was the first runner-up in Miss Tourism Nigeria, a fierce advocate for out-of-school children and a voice against sexual and gender-based violence. Behind her charming smile was a woman of strong conviction and purpose.”
Awosemo lamented the cruel irony of losing Sommie to the very insecurities she aimed to combat and expressed profound gratitude to security agencies for arresting those responsible. He concluded with a heartfelt call: “We will only be consoled when necessary actions are taken to improve our security and healthcare systems so that tragedies like this do not happen again. Though her voice is silent, Sommie’s passion and legacy remain a part of our collective memory.”
Senior broadcast journalist, Peter Okwoche, a veteran with 35 years’ experience, including 15 at the BBC, admitted he had not met Sommie but was moved to honour her “as a very famous storyteller.” After watching her work on YouTube, he acknowledged her as a “shining, budding talent whose life and career were sadly cut short.”
Adesuwa Omoruan, who met Sommie shortly after she joined Arise, painted a vivid portrait: “She had this quiet confidence that instantly filled the room. Her confidence isn’t loud; it’s certain. You just couldn’t help but look.” Omoruan called this poise and inner strength the hallmark of Sommie’s presence, which would remain in the memories of all who knew her.
Christian Ogodo, managing editor of Arise News, fondly recalled Sommie’s last moments in the newsroom: “It was exactly two Sundays ago that Sommie leaned over my computer and said, ‘Good evening, sir, ME.’ I responded, and asked what assignment do you have for me? and she said she was on the news. That was our last conversation… I will miss the sweet life she embodied.”
Sumner Sambo, deputy news director and politics editor, gave a passionate account of Sommie’s courage and vision.
“Sommi was a woman of goodwill and courage,” he said. “As director of news, I sat down with her to discuss her passion for journalism and what she hoped to change. She told me she wanted to create change for women and children, to bring their voices to the forefront. I assigned her the women and children beat; she was fantastic.” Sambo also noted Sommie’s dedication to the Women’s Bill campaign, advocating for stronger female representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
He touched on her family’s resilience, pointing out that her parents waited five years before she was born, symbolising her fighting spirit from the start. “Sommie was rich in hope and a fighter,” Sambo said. “She fought till the end to ensure young girls had voices in society. We haven’t lost a colleague, we have lost a beacon of hope and impact.”
One of the standout moments was news anchor Rufai Oseni’s recital of a poignant poem about silence and grief. His words broke through the heaviness of loss with solemn hope, acknowledging the pain yet promising that the silence surrounding Sommie’s death would eventually be replaced by truth and justice.
The news anchor and co-host of Arise News’s morning breakfast show stepped onto the stage with a solemn grace that immediately drew the crowd into the depth of his emotions. He began by expressing how profoundly difficult it was to stand before everyone and speak about a colleague whose light had been cruelly snuffed out far too soon.
Reflecting on the harsh reality they all shared, Oseni acknowledged the struggle that comes with trying to make rational sense of such a tragedy — that no matter how much one tries, it simply does not make sense. “A lot has happened, a lot has transpired,” he said quietly, “but there are many things that will never be.”
He paused, letting the weight of those words sink in before continuing with heartfelt honesty: “The one thing we know deep in our hearts is that we have lost somebody who loved us. Somebody whose greatness was not yet finished.”
Turning toward the family and friends gathered, he spoke softly but with unwavering conviction about the light that Sommie used to shine in everyone’s hearts. “Tonight, let us focus on that light,” he urged, “on the things she loved and fought for with relentless passion.”
Rufai then shared his personal approach to grief, explaining how, in moments of loss, he often retreats into silence to gain perspective. But that night was different — the weight of silence felt unbearable, so he chose to share a poem that had always helped him navigate similar moments of pain and despair.
The poem he recited was a stirring tribute to breaking silence and confronting grief head-on. Its powerful imagery conveyed the tension between the deep hurt of loss and the undying hope that one day the silence surrounding Sommie’s departure—and the sorrow of all affected—would break. He dedicated this poem explicitly to Sommie’s family, acknowledging their profound loss and the incomprehensible shock that came with it.
Ending on a note of solemn hope, Oseni assured everyone that, although the tragedy did not make sense yet, there would come a time when it would, and that time would be a victory for the love and peace Sommie stood for.
Vimbai Mutinhiri Ekpenyong, Arise News anchor and executive producer, shared a poem by John Donne to reflect on death’s fleeting power. She expressed empathy born from personal losses and spoke of Sommie’s impact: “Sommi reminded me of myself a decade ago, excited, confident, ready to serve. Her legacy will continue through us.” She urged the family and colleagues to carry forward Sommie’s mission with strength and commitment.
Ojy Okpe, award-winning anchor and producer, echoed this spirit, thanking family and the media community for their support and underscoring Sommie’s professionalism and warmth. She pledged to honour Sommie’s memory by continuing to stand for truth and excellence.
The family’s presence was deeply felt, with cousins Amaka Maduagwu, twins Neche and Chidinma Maduagwu, and goddaughter Fredda Esosa Lawson sharing deeply personal reflections. Amaka spoke of their childhood bond and Sommie’s kindness: “Sommie was gentle, open-minded, calm even when there was no need to be, a peaceful spirit with a kind heart. Rest in peace, graceful Sommie. You will always be remembered not just for how you left but how beautifully you lived.”
Twins Neche and Chidinma spoke together. Neche revealed, “There are times when words fail you. Sommie was a gift, a humanitarian. She paid school fees for kids, took care of women and put smiles on their faces. Your family loves you.” Chidinma added, “She was elegant, humble and her presence filled a room. I remember when I attended her call to bar, she inspired me. Sommie always lifted me up, told me I’m beautiful. The marks she left will always remain. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
Chinnazo Onwuta, Sommie’s immediate cousin, spoke with a voice both tender and resolute. She began by reflecting on the complexity and depth of Sommie’s character—how she was not simply a cousin, but also a big sister and a true friend. Chinnazo shared the warmth of their close bond, often mistaken by others as twins because of their striking resemblance and inseparable connection through childhood into adulthood.
She recalled how Sommie’s natural beauty was complemented by her ability to uplift those around her, especially herself. Sommie constantly affirmed her beauty and worth, instilling confidence like no other could. This loving encouragement created a profound impact, shaping Chinnazo’s sense of self.
Chinnazo then poignantly recounted their shared life in the UK before Sommie’s self-chosen return to Nigeria in 2019. Their relationship was inseparable and deeply intertwined—they lived, loved and supported each other like true sisters. She spoke of Sommie’s unwavering strength and how she always had her back.
The special moment Chinnazo highlighted was their trip to China together, where Somtochukwu represented Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World Pageant. The event was not only a pinnacle of Somtochukwu’s modelling career but also a proud display of her passion for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural richness and heritage on a global stage. For Chinnazo, this trip remains a vivid memory of Somtochukwu’s vibrancy and ambition.
Chinnazo concluded her tribute with a heartfelt affirmation: Somtochukwu was a force of nature—beautiful, strong, loving, and inspiring. Though the pain of her loss was overwhelming, the legacy of love and empowerment she left behind would forever remain a guiding light for all who knew her. “She built me up to love myself fiercely, and in loving her, I learned to love me,” Chinnazo said softly, “and I will carry that with me always.”
Fredda Esosa Lawson brought the night’s rawest emotion as she stepped forward in a white dress—Sommi’s last gift from London—and read her poem in full, unapologetically raw and powerful.
Challenges to Police and Medical Reports
Fredda’s poem was not only a poignant eulogy, but a searing indictment of the official narratives surrounding Sommie’s death. She rejected the police claim that Sommie was “dead on arrival” and forcefully challenged the nurses for refusing to treat her, questioning their competence and humanity. Repeatedly, she declared, “She was not dead on arrival. She did not jump,” demanding truth and justice for the young woman taken from them prematurely.
“In the midst of people wearing black, I wore white. This was the last gift Sommie got me when she returned from her last UK trip. I wrote this poem because it’s the only way I can express myself.Hello death, I see you struck once again,
You can’t leave me to take a breath.
You can’t leave me to live without pain.
One person after another, day by day.
This one left me speechless, no words to say.
Is it true? Was the question I kept asking,
My breath was cut short and I could hear my heart pounding,
Each pump left distaste knowing hers will no longer beat.
Each car horn pierced my ears knowing you were no longer hearing.
The beauty I had seen four days before that,
Found safety in the same apartment that was attacked.
I sat in that balcony with you every night,
Enjoying the views of the night sky,
Unknowing you would add to that beauty shortly.
I sent messages when I heard the news,
Hoping you’d somehow reply.
But when I saw one tick.
That was when it hit me,
That was when I began to cry.
It’s unimaginable that through my mourning time,
An agonizing voice screamed lies.
Contrary to what the false have sparked,
The term “drop” is as bizarre as a flying cat.
Spreading lies to ease your name,
My aunty’s intelligence will not be abused for your two seconds of fame.
A model, an inspirer, and embodiment of confidence, grace, ambition, a lawyer. Every truth I say will make you smaller.
Her intelligence will not go unseen.
Your dirty hands will have to eventually come clean.
She was alone and saw multiple men storm into her confining space.
Seeing Nigeria happen right in front of her face.
She held onto the railings trying to get to the balcony of the second floor.
A little happening like this leaves scars in our hearts sore.
The reality of her wings being taken away from those undeserving predators.
At least the distance from third floor to second was not less than three meters,
But the railings failed her just as her country did.
My beautiful Aunty Sommie slipped, rushed to the hospital still breathing,
Yet another one of the lies worth believing—dead on arrival, you claimed.
But what about the nurses that should be ashamed?
Refused to treat her for a reason, even hearing leaves me enraged.
The police report and an ID,
She was bleeding to death right in front of you.
Were all your years wasted in school?
Could you not have ministered first aid?
Did you have to watch my aunty’s life fade?
How many people have each one of you killed?
She could not survive.
Whether the chance was near zero, it was not there.
Other News
She was not dead on arrival.
She was not dead on arrival.
She was not dead on arrival.
She did not jump.
She did not jump.
She did not jump.
She didn’t have to be in this country.
She was going to further her education far abroad.
You have made her a memory.
She came back to better this place.
She had plans and problems of Nigeria she single-handedly wanted to face.
She wanted to be the youngest first female senator in her state.
That’s why she chose the job we all love her for,
To become known, to build a foundation, to explore.
She wanted to better your country and you killed her.
“Jumped!” Do you realise how much she had going on for herself?
Have you not seen all she has accomplished?
Got to the top with no help.
Even within her little 29 years, she accomplished what many others wouldn’t in that time.
If she had another 20, imagine the legend she would have become.
She would have put this country in line.
Oh, Auntie Sommie, it doesn’t look real.
All the memories, Lord, help me heal.
Ever since you left, my tears have gotten thicker.
The air has gotten thinner.
The roads have gotten quieter.
My thoughts have gotten louder.
Every event, I run to her always.
She pretty me up, advised me on why I should never take any form of disrespect no matter what.
Between you and I, her favourite thing, minus pink, was telling people off.
Her smile was so contagious.
She was powerful, even with her small size.
Her voice, so small, but everywhere it rose.
Every time she went places, she brought a piece back for me.
Now you’re in a place I can’t exactly reach.
August 15, my birthday, you tweeted a prayer.
I pray Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about.
Nigeria has failed me, Tina, my mom, Uncle Hafiz, and our family.
Most especially, Nigeria failed you.
Will I really never get to hear your laugh anymore?
Will I really never get to hear you say I love you anymore?
Will I really never get to hear you talk about the love of your life?
I pray heaven and its angels embrace me just as fondly as you did 22 days ago.
I will never feel that warmth again.
She always said, “Don’t worry, Hafiz, we’ll make it through this together.”
I still think I’m in some sort of dream where you truly left me, auntie.
Is it real? Are you really gone?
She loved pink, so whenever you think of her or want to do something to remember her, wear a touch of pink to honour her.
Let me leave you with this quote.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” —Ambrose Redmoon.
A courageous person isn’t someone who’s never afraid but someone who feels that fear because something compels them to.
Family, friends, a lover, a Netflix series, a favourite cartoon.
These are things that can make someone act the way they do.
The human brain wants amazing things.
She had the will to live.
Something to keep her going.
A reason to wake up every day.
“Jump” is a term for someone who feels trapped rather than free.
Not my auntie Sommie.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
There have been unbearable hardships in her life, battles she fought, yet through it all, kept her wide smile and tender heart.
I wish this gathering was her wedding where she’d be dressed in all white, rather than us now all dressed in black.
I’ll end this now.
I wish there was something I could say to bring you back.
I love you, auntie, now and forever, less than tomorrow and more than yesterday.
This is not goodbye anticipation, it’s just this, see you later.”
Hafiz Yaroson, Sommie’s fiancé and partner, delivered a deeply emotional testament to the woman he loved and lost. His words offered an intimate glimpse into the bond they shared and the profound impact Sommie had on everyone around her.
Hafiz described Somtochukwu, affectionately called Sommie, as a radiant spirit full of love, courage, and determination. He recalled how her warm smile and steady strength were a guiding light, not only for him but for all who knew her. Despite her vibrant public life as a lawyer, model, and news anchor, Hafiz emphasized how their relationship was built on genuine affection and mutual respect, a quiet sanctuary amidst her busy world.
Reflecting on the tragedy that snatched Sommie away far too soon, Hafiz’s voice carried the weight of heartbreak. “She was my partner, my best friend, my future,” he said. “Every moment with her was a blessing, and losing her is a wound that will never fully heal.” He spoke poignantly about her dreams and ambitions, including the plans they had made together for a future filled with hope and purpose.
Hafiz also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the public since the tragedy, thanking security agencies for their efforts in apprehending those responsible. Yet, his tribute carried a note of solemn plea for improved safety and justice to prevent other families from suffering similar loss.
In his closing words, Hafiz urged those present to remember Sommie not only for her untimely death but for the bright, passionate woman she was—one who fought tirelessly for women’s rights, gender equality, and a better Nigeria. He called on everyone to carry forward her legacy of courage and kindness.
Joshua fondly recalled his protective role over Somomie during their university days when he was like a “guard dog” watching over her. He described the youthful Somtochukwu as fearless and full of life, often nicknamed “Hurricane Sommie” for her unstoppable energy and spirited personality. Joshua said, “She was a force to reckon with, a whirlwind that left a mark everywhere she went. I was proud to be the one on guard duty, ensuring that nothing would dim her light.” He emphasized how Sommie’s vivacity and determination were evident even then, carrying through her successful careers in law, modeling, and journalism. Reflecting on her tragic loss, Joshua said, “It’s heartbreaking to lose a cousin, a sister, and a friend who swept through life with such grace and impact.”
Senator Victor Umeh, who represents the Anambra Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, the same constituency as Sommie’s in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He expressed deep shock and sadness at Sommie’s passing. He eloquently stated, “The number of years you live doesn’t matter, but the impact you make during those years is what counts.” He praised Somtochukwu’s vibrant and resolute spirit, likening her life to that of a saint whose legacy transcends time. Umeh said, “Her short but illustrious life is a testament to dedication, passion, and service to humanity.”
Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole praised Somtochukwu as a woman born with a clear purpose—to challenge societal imperfections and build the nation. “She wasn’t born to lament but to change,” Oshiomhole said emphatically. He lauded Arise Group and ThisDay founder, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, for his outstanding ability to discover and nurture talent like Sommie’s. “Obaigbena has a remarkable gift for hunting talent and giving young Nigerians platforms to shine,” Oshiomhole remarked. He urged Nigerians to rise above despair and live impactful lives, reflecting Sommie’s courageous spirit.
President or National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, who was represented by FCT NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a promising journalist who was a “beacon of professionalism and courage.” He commended Sommie’s relentless pursuit of truth and her advocacy for vulnerable groups, especially women and children. “Her passing is a loss not only to her family but also to the entire media community who saw in her the promise of excellence and integrity.”
The NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim, applauded Sommie’s dedication to women’s empowerment and her role as a gender rights advocate. “Somtochukwu was more than a news anchor; she was a voice for the voiceless, a champion for gender equality,” she said. NAWOJ hailed her as a role model for young female journalists, whose legacy would continue to inspire many women to break barriers and seek justice.
Sommie’s uncle, Demien Udeh delivered a moving vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who gathered to honour Sommie’s memory. “Thank you to the management of Arise Media Group, security agencies, journalists, friends, and well-wishers for standing with us in this difficult time,” Udeh said. He urged everyone to turn their grief into action by supporting initiatives that promote safety, justice, and equality—the very causes Sommie lived for. “Let her life continue to inspire positive change,” he concluded.
The night of tribute at the THISDAY Dome was a powerful testament to one life lived fully and taken too soon. A life of beauty, intellect, passion, and an unyielding fight for justice and change. In honouring Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu’s memory, the gathering called for a collective resolve to confront the security challenges that plague Nigeria, to demand accountability from officials, and to create the safer, just society Sommie dreamed of.
Her spirit lives on not only in the hearts and minds of those present but in the legacy of advocacy and hope she leaves behind. This night indelibly engraved her story in the consciousness of a nation determined that her death would not be in vain.
