Key Points
- Father disputes reports of a panic jump during a raid. He urges detectives to test every claim.
- He says the story “does not add up” to him. He calls for a full, open probe.
- Police earlier announced a comprehensive investigation in Abuja. The case remains active today.
The father of late Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu has challenged the account of her death. Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu says his daughter would not jump from a building to flee raiders. He believes the 29-year-old was killed and wants a thorough investigation.
Somtochukwu died after a night attack at her Katampe apartment on 29 September, according to initial reports and police. Authorities said she fell from the third floor while trying to escape armed robbers during the early-morning invasion. ValidUpdates covered the first details in our earlier report on the case.
Father questions escape narrative
Mr Maduagwu spoke on Monday, 20 October, in a media interview shared widely. He insists his daughter feared danger yet “would never jump” as some reports suggest. He says the family wants answers, not rumours or haste.
He argues that key details remain unclear from the night of the attack. He urges security agencies to test timelines, track suspects, and examine medical steps. He adds that only a transparent process can settle the claims.
Police response and timeline so far
Federal Capital Territory police earlier announced a comprehensive inquiry. Command leaders said intelligence and tactical teams were deployed to hunt the gang. National and international outlets have since tracked the case and official updates.
Reports on 29–30 September said Somtochukwu was found unconscious after the fall and died in hospital. Colleagues mourned her as a bright, skilled journalist and trained lawyer. The account of an attempted escape during a robbery has faced growing scrutiny.
Friends, peers, and fans have continued to pay tribute in the weeks since. The family also shared funeral plans and thanked supporters for their care. Read our piece on the full burial programme details for background.
The new statement from Mr Maduagwu will likely shape next steps. It adds pressure on investigators to compare claims with physical proof. The police have not issued a fresh public update at the time of filing
