Prosper Okoye
The family of lawyer Princess Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix has challenged the police account of her death, saying she was abducted and forced to make ransom calls before being killed, contradicting claims that she died in a roadside “one-chance” robbery.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said they had arrested three men linked to the killing. Police described the suspects as members of a gang that lures passengers by posing as commercial vehicle operators.
The family, however, said Chigbo made multiple distress calls and pleaded for her life before the line went dead, raising questions about the official narrative.
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Investigation and Arrests
The FCT Police Command said that intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of three suspects between 5 and 10 January in the Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata areas of Kubwa.
Those arrested were identified as Saifullahi Yusuf, 22, and his brother Ishau Yusuf, 24, both from Kaduna State, and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia. Police said a fourth suspect, Musa, remained at large.
Police said the investigation involved tracking the victim’s mobile phone and conducting follow-up operations. “These men were part of a notorious ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate operating within the FCT, particularly during festive periods,” a police spokesperson said.
Investigators said that on 5 January, at about 17:50 local time, Princess Chigbo boarded a black Volkswagen Golf along the Kubwa Expressway. The suspects allegedly wound up the tinted windows, threatened her with weapons, and demanded money for her release. Police said she was assaulted and later pushed from the moving vehicle, resulting in her death.
Items recovered from the suspects included knives, scissors, a chain, and a plier, which police said were used in previous robberies. Police said further efforts were ongoing to apprehend remaining gang members.
Family Account and Circumstances of Attack
Chigbo’s family has presented a different account. Her sister, Anthonia, said, “We heard her cries in the background of a phone call shortly before the line went dead. Later, we heard the kidnappers demanding a ransom of ₦3 million before abruptly ending communication.”
The family said they also heard Chigbo screaming for help during another call before it again went dead. Her body, showing bruises and a cracked skull, was found the next day at a mortuary in Abuja, along with her bag.
Anthonia said, “We immediately contacted the police and even reached out to higher authorities, including the Inspector-General’s office, but the situation escalated too quickly. It is painful to lose her this way.”
The family’s account highlights the possibility that the attack was more than a roadside robbery, suggesting premeditation and ransom demands.
Legal Community Demands Justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said they were deeply disturbed by the murder.
A statement from the NBA said, “We call on the Nigeria Police Force to swiftly arrest and prosecute those responsible. The safety of legal practitioners and commuters must be guaranteed.”
The NBA’s Abuja branch further said, “We urge urgent action against ‘one-chance’ criminals and improved security measures across the Federal Capital Territory.” Civil society groups within the legal profession also said intelligence-led law enforcement should be strengthened to prevent similar crimes.
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Condolences and Political Reactions
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi said he had visited Dr Maureen Chigbo, the publisher of Realnews Magazine and sister of the slain lawyer, in Abuja to offer condolences. In a social media post, Obi said, “The death of Princess Chigbo is painful. We call on security authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
He added, “This incident is a wake-up call for national leadership on the urgent need to address insecurity in Nigeria.” Obi also said the government should prioritise citizens’ safety and review security protocols to prevent further tragedies.
Community Tributes
Legal and community groups said they would hold prayers, requiem masses, and tributes in Abuja before her body is returned to Anambra State for burial.
Organisers, including Catholic and lawyers’ associations, said these events reflected the respect Princess Chigbo commanded within both professional and religious communities.
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A community spokesperson said, “Her death is a loss not only to her family but to the legal profession and society at large. We are ensuring her memory is honoured.”
Wider Security Concerns
The killing has heightened public concern over “one-chance” crimes, in which criminals disguise themselves as taxi drivers or passengers to rob, abduct, or kill commuters. Police said such operations have long been a security concern in Abuja and other Nigerian cities.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, said, “We are committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Police said further updates would be provided as investigations continue, as authorities work to uncover any wider networks linked to the gang.
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Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
