Let Us Respect the Facts in The Case Involving AriseTV’s Somtochukwu Maduagwu

After listening to the account of the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Ajao Adewale, about the incidents that led to the unfortunate death of AriseTV news anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one can see how fake news spread by enemies of Nigeria, seeking to capitalise on a human tragedy, can one day ignite social unrest and crisis.

First, it is now known that the claims that the police vehicle that responded to the emergency did not have fuel in its car are false.

Secondly, it was the police who took Miss Maduagwu to the hospital, contrary to media reports and social commentary claims that this was done by Good Samaritans and people who were being neighbourly.

Thirdly, the hospital in question, Maitama General Hospital, did not reject her or ask for her ID or police report before treating her. How could they, when the police brought her to the facility? They initiated a CPR procedure on her, but could not revive her.

Fourthly, the immediate cause of the death of Miss Maduagwu was not the robbery, though it is the remote cause. She died from injuries sustained after she jumped from her flat in a state of panic during the pendency of the dastardly robbery.

In light of these fresh facts, perhaps those who had maligned the medical sector in general and the Maitama General Hospital while accusing them of contributing to Miss Maduagwu’s death may want to reassess their positions.

From every indication, the medical professionals at Maitama General Hospital acquitted themselves well in the case involving Miss Maduagwu and do not deserve the public ridicule they have received.

If any news media has credible evidence suggesting that the report given by Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale is not accurate, they should please provide it to the nation. Failing that, the media should not aggravate Miss Maduagwu’s family’s sufferings and undermine Nigeria’s reputation by publishing innuendo, rumour and gossip about the event.

Although this was an unfortunate and tragic circumstance, the facts of the matter do not justify the public opprobrium poured on the Nigeria Police Force and the Maitama General Hospital, as well as the claims that the victim died because Nigeria happened to her.

The real enemy here is not the Nigerian Police Force or our medical personnel. It is the armed robbers who set off the unfortunate series of events leading to Somtochukwu Maduagwu’s death, and we ought to have every confidence that they will be brought to book by our law enforcement officers.

As I said yesterday, a robbery like this can occur anywhere in the world. Nigeria is neither immune to these types of incidents nor does it happen exclusively here.

This story has travelled far and will still go farther. There is nothing to be gained either for the victim’s family or for you and I if we use this sad incident as fodder to further de-market Nigeria.

May the soul of Miss Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu rest in peace, and may God grant her family the fortitude to bear the loss they have suffered.