Abuja Lawyer’s Death Was Homicide, Not Kidnapping — Family

The family of the late Barrister Princess Mediatrix Nwamaka Chigbo has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into her death, insisting that the circumstances surrounding it clearly point to homicide and not a case of kidnapping.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja during a night of tribute organised by the Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA) in honour of the slain lawyer.

Speaking for the family, her younger sister, Mrs. Maureen Chigbo, delivered an emotional and detailed account of the events leading to Princess Chigbo’s death.

“My sister lived for justice and for humanity, and justice she must get. You have heard many stories about how she died, but I am not sure you have heard the real facts.”

Maureen narrated that her sister had returned from the East on Sunday and later left her office to attend evening Mass. which began at about 6pm and usually lasts between 45 minutes to one hour.

When she came out, my younger sister, who is also a lawyer based in Enugu, called her to check on her journey,” she said.
According to her, Princess Chigbo on coming out, was on the phone with their younger sister who is also a lawyer, before she received another call and promised to return shortly.

“When my sister called back, all she heard was her shouting: ‘Mother Mary help me, Mother Mary help me’. Then the line went dead,” she said.

Maureen said subsequent attempts to reach her sister resulted in threats and curses from unknown persons who answered the phone.

“One voice picked up and said, ‘Thunder fire you. We will kill her’, and the phone went dead,” she said.

She explained that the family immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police, FCT, who responded swiftly and connected them to the Scorpion Squad, which began tracking the phone.

“At no point did the suspects demand ransom. If it was kidnapping, they would have told us where to send money. They never did,” she stressed.

She said the family was kept hopeful throughout the night, believing police efforts would lead to her rescue, until the early hours of Monday.

“By around 6am, I was told they had found someone in critical condition. I sent her a picture and her address. I booked my flight immediately and rushed to Abuja, believing my sister was alive. However, upon arrival at the General Hospital, I heard the devastating news.

“After all the drama, my sister was lying stone cold in the morgue. Blood was pouring from her fractured skull. Her body was bruised, her eyes swollen and bloodshot,” she said.

Maureen disclosed that while initial information suggested a broken neck, the autopsy raised further disturbing questions. She commended the police for their prompt response but raised serious concerns about inconsistencies between the police statement, suspects’ accounts, and verifiable facts.

“The police said she was picked up in Kubwa. Evidence shows she was at the Pro-Cathedral between 7 and 7:30pm. She lives in Lugbe. The whole thing wasn’t adding up.”

She further revealed that the address stated in the coroner’s report was not her sister’s correct residential address, questioning the integrity of the investigation.

“Does it really not matter that the address on the coroner’s report is wrong?” she asked the audience.

“This is a case of homicide. My sister was murdered. We must find out who did it. The investigation cannot be sloppy. It must be thorough. That is the least we can do to honour her,” Maureen said.

In her remarks, Mrs. Chinelo Virginia Iriele, International President of GAFA, described the killing as a brutal failure of the state to protect its citizens.

“Princess Mediatrix was a Nigerian citizen. She deserved protection. Instead, she was murdered in cold blood. What we see today is endless campaigns and self-preservation. What we do not see is leadership that protects lives and property,” Iriele said.

She demanded justice not only for Princess Chigbo but for countless unnamed victims across the country.

“The only reason this case has attention is because she has people who can speak for her. Many Nigerians are killed daily with no consequences,” she said.

Also speaking, Barr. Mrs. Chigozie Iruchalu, Principal Partner of Cozien Chambers and a GAFA member, described the death as a devastating loss to the association and the broader legal community.

“Princess Mejajis Chibo was passionate about women empowerment, equality, and justice. Losing her has left a huge gap in GAFA,” she said.

While acknowledging police efforts, she called for decisive action against the “one-chance” menace in Abuja.

“Beyond tracking perpetrators, authorities must prevent these crimes. Abuja residents are living in fear,” she said, while assuring that the legal profession would pursue justice relentlessly.

“We will follow through until justice is done, so her soul can rest in peace,” she added.

The tribute night featured emotional tributes from colleagues, friends, and associates, alongside spoken-word poetry and musical performances celebrating the life, courage, and legacy of the late legal practitioner.