•Ifeanyi Maduagwu
Ifeanyi Maduagwu is the father of Arise TV presenter, Ms Somtochukwu Christella, who recently lost her life during an armed robbery attack at her residence in Abuja. In this interview, the grieving father reflects on his daughter’s unfulfilled aspirations, the cherished moments they shared, and her burning desire to one day serve her country as a senator, reports Saturday PUNCH.
•Late Somtochukwu Christella
Excerpts:
Can you share a little about yourself?
I’m Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, from Agulu in Anambra State.
How did you hear of your daughter’s demise?
Honestly, it was a tragic and devastating experience. I was at work when I received a call from my elder brother, asking me to urgently come to Port Harcourt. I was surprised and pressed him further, wondering what could be so serious that required my immediate presence.
Barely 15 minutes earlier, I had spoken with my wife. So after my brother’s call, I decided to ring her again, since she was the last person I had spoken with. When she picked up, I said, “Sweetie, I just wanted to call someone, since you were the last person I spoke to,” and then I ended the call.
But that unsettled her. Unknown to me, she had already received a few calls from people who had been trying, without success, to reach Sommie that morning. My call only heightened her anxiety. She immediately tried contacting her elder sister in Abuja and my co-in-law to see if a driver could be sent to Sommie’s apartment to check on her.
Meanwhile, I reached out to my company’s management to arrange a chopper to get me out quickly. Sadly, by the time everything became clear, the worst had already happened. It is so painful because, after all her efforts, my daughter’s passion and dreams for Nigeria were cut short.
Where did she obtain her degree?
She studied in the UK and later returned to Nigeria for Law School. After completing Law School, she went for her Youth Service and collected her certificate.
I had already booked her ticket to return abroad for her Master’s. But she insisted she wanted to work for at least two years in Nigeria to gain experience before going back, and she did exactly that.
After completing the two years abroad, she eventually returned to Nigeria. I didn’t even know she was coming back at that point; it was something she was quietly discussing with her mother. But I have to accept it as her destiny.
It is heartbreaking that her dreams and passion for this country were left unfulfilled. My only plea is that the government should urgently address the issues that continue to put citizens at risk and do more to safeguard lives.
What exactly informed her decision to return to Nigeria?
Her decision was driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. She strongly believed that the way things were going in Nigeria was wrong and that her voice needed to be heard at home. She wanted to be part of the solution, to speak up and push for the changes this country desperately needs.
Can you recall some of the beautiful moments you had with her?
The most recent was in Tangier, Morocco, from September 4 to 9, 2025. We went to the beach together and also took a city tour on one of those double-decker buses. It was such a beautiful bonding moment, just father and daughter, sharing time and creating lasting memories.
Did you have any premonition that something bad was about to happen?
Honestly, no. Nobody was sick or anything of that sort. I had just resumed work that Monday and was in a very good mood. Then, around 9:30–10 a.m., my elder brother called, saying there was an emergency that required my attention. My mind never went in that direction. I thought it might have been something about my wife, since I had spoken to her just 15 minutes earlier.
Did Somtochukwu share her aspirations, future plans or philosophy of life with you?
Yes, she did. She was passionate about helping the needy and ensuring women’s voices were heard in politics. Her biggest aspiration was to one day become a senator in Nigeria.
How do you feel knowing that her dream has been cut short?
My brother, it is truly disheartening.
When was her next birthday supposed to be?
Her birthday is on the 26th of December. She had already planned for it. She said she wanted to go to the village to cook for the kindred, especially the children. She did the same about four years ago when we visited the village, and she was really looking forward to doing it again. She also had a burning desire to go into politics and contribute to turning things around in Nigeria.
Was there any talk about a fiancé?
Yes. You know, such matters are usually discussed more with the mother. During our family trip to London and Morocco, her mother mentioned that many suitors had been coming for her, but she always said she wanted to first establish herself before thinking about marriage. She didn’t want to be dependent on a man. Eventually, she got engaged.
What does her death really mean to you?
I had Sommie on December 26, 1995. After her birth, for over five years, we didn’t have another child. So she became the handbag of the house. Everywhere we went, it was “Sommie, Sommie, Sommie.”
She was such a lively child. At any party, she would shine, dancing, laughing and communicating effortlessly. She was full of life. Her death has pierced my heart like an arrow.
What will you miss most about her?
I will miss everything. Her care, her constant calls: “Dad, have you eaten? Are you taking good care of yourself? Have you checked your vitals?”
It’s not easy, my brother. It’s not easy (fighting back tears). I don’t want to cry anymore; the tears I’ve already shed are enough.
