The father of the late Arise Television journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, has rejected claims that his daughter jumped from a three-storey building while attempting to escape armed robbers, insisting instead that she was murdered under suspicious circumstances.
Speaking in an interview monitored on BBC Igbo, Mr. Ifeanyi Maduagwu expressed disbelief over reports surrounding his daughter’s death, describing them as “funny” and inconsistent with her character.
“I know that my first daughter, Sommie Tochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, whom I gave birth to, would not have jumped from a three-storey building,” he said with emotion.
Mr. Maduagwu questioned the credibility of the suspects’ statements, particularly the claim that Sommie fell after a robber tried to hold her but could not support her weight. He said the explanation lacked logic and raised more questions than answers.
“Sommie loved her life so much. Even if you asked her to jump from a table, she wouldn’t. So how can anyone say she jumped from such a height?” he asked.
He maintained that his daughter’s cautious and gentle nature made the alleged circumstances of her death highly doubtful, insisting that only a thorough investigation could reveal the truth.
“I believe that my daughter was murdered,” he declared. “The story being told does not add up. The police must dig deeper to uncover what really happened.”
His comments come amid growing public calls for a comprehensive investigation into the journalist’s death. Twelve suspects have reportedly been arrested in connection with the attack on her Katampe residence in Abuja. Police sources earlier confirmed that the suspects were tracked across several states.
Mr. Maduagwu reiterated his family’s demand for justice, stressing that only a transparent and conclusive inquiry would bring closure.
“The truth is still hidden,” he said. “My daughter’s life and career deserve to be honoured by ensuring that those responsible for her death are brought to justice.”
