Old Prophecy Resurfaces: Primate Ayodele’s Warning to ARISE News Echoes After Tragic Death of TV Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu

An old prophecy by fiery cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has resurfaced online in the wake of the shocking and heartbreaking death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, a rising star anchor with ARISE Television.

Maduagwu, 29, tragically lost her life on September 29, 2025, after an armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence. The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., has thrown the Nigerian media community into mourning, sparking fresh debate about the safety of journalists in the country.

In a prophetic declaration on December 20, 2024, Primate Ayodele had called for special prayers for Nigerian journalists, warning of looming dangers. In particular, he urged ARISE News correspondents to tread with caution in their reportage, especially on sensitive political matters.

> “Let’s pray for them because life only has one. They should reduce that attack that is coming from ARISE News. You are there to broadcast the news, not to challenge people,” Ayodele had declared in the viral clip.

The prophecy, which at the time stirred mixed reactions, is now being revisited in light of Maduagwu’s untimely demise.

Sources within ARISE TV revealed that the slain anchor’s family is pointing fingers at delayed medical response, claiming she might have survived the gunshot wounds if timely treatment was administered.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, viewers, and media stakeholders, all describing Maduagwu as a brilliant, fearless, and vibrant journalist whose career was only just beginning to blossom.

Her death has reignited urgent calls for press freedom and journalist protection in Nigeria, as concerns grow over the increasing threats faced by media practitioners in their line of duty.