Outrage as ARISE News Journalists Allege Colleague Somtochukwu Maduagwu Was Denied Medical Care

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The tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old correspondent with ARISE News, has sparked widespread outrage after her colleagues alleged she was denied urgent medical treatment following injuries sustained during a robbery attack at her residence in Abuja.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Dr. Reuben Abati described Maduagwu’s passing as preventable, accusing the Maitama District General Hospital of negligence.

“She Could Have Been Saved”

Okpe recounted that Maduagwu, popularly called “Sommie,” jumped from the balcony of her apartment after learning that about 14 armed robbers had invaded the building. Though she survived the fall, Okpe alleged that her chances of survival were lost when hospital staff refused to treat her without identification.

“She did not die on the spot. She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,” Okpe said emotionally on-air.

Maduagwu and an elderly security guard injured in the incident were both reportedly rushed to Maitama District General Hospital but later died.

Abati: “A Violation of Medical Ethics”

Co-anchor Abati condemned the hospital’s alleged conduct, calling it a breach of both medical ethics and Nigerian law.

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

He added: “It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives. 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 journalists face, describing the profession as one “that can lead to a pathway of death.”

Emotional Last Post Resurfaces

Tributes have continued to pour in for the young journalist, a lawyer and former beauty queen who joined ARISE in September 2024. Her final post on X in August has resurfaced online:

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

The message, widely shared by colleagues and admirers, has taken on a haunting resonance in the wake of her death.

ARISE News: “Delectable, Intelligent, Bold”

In an earlier statement, ARISE News described Maduagwu as “delectable, intelligent, and bold,” highlighting her contributions to journalism and advocacy.

“Through a blend of her legal dexterity and reportorial vigour, Sommie advocated for out-of-school children and campaigned energetically against sexual and gender-based violence,” the statement read.

Maduagwu had represented Nigeria at the Miss Tourism World Pageant in Quanzhou, China, before transitioning into broadcast journalism.

Investigation Ongoing

The FCT Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is underway into both the robbery and the circumstances of Maduagwu’s death.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to flood social media from colleagues, viewers, and admirers who described her as passionate, fearless, and full of promise.

“We are journalists. We have a duty. We are important to society,” Abati said. “When Nigeria happens to us, it is a sad thing.”