Our Sister’s Death Homicide, Not Kidnapping – Abuja Lawyer’s Family

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

She said the circumstances surrounding Princess Chigbo’s death did not support claims of abduction.

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

Speaking for the family, her younger sister, Dr Maureen Chigbo, said the lawyer returned from the South-East on Sunday and later left her office to attend evening Mass at the Pro-Cathedral, which usually ends before 7.30pm.

According to her, Princess Chigbo was on a phone call with another sibling when she received a second call and promised to return shortly.

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

Maureen said subsequent calls to the phone were answered by unknown persons who issued threats, adding that no ransom was ever demanded.

“If it were kidnapping, they would have asked for money. They never did,” she said.

She said the family contacted the Commissioner of Police, FCT, who linked them to the Scorpion Squad to track the phone.

The family, she added, remained hopeful until early Monday when police said someone had been found in critical condition.

“On getting to the hospital, we were told she was dead. The injuries we saw raised serious questions,” she said.

Maureen said inconsistencies in the police account, suspects’ statements and official records, including an incorrect address in the coroner’s report, cast doubt on the investigation.

“The police said she was picked up in Kubwa, but evidence places her at the Pro-Cathedral around that time. She lived in Lugbe. It didn’t add up,” she said.

She insisted the case must be treated as murder and investigated thoroughly to honour her sister’s memory.

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

“Princess Mediatrix was murdered in cold blood. Many Nigerians die daily without justice,” she said.

Also speaking, a GAFA member, Mrs Chigozie Eruchalu, called for decisive action against the “one-chance” menace in Abuja, saying residents were living in fear.

She assured that the legal community would pursue the case until justice is served.

Mrs Chigozie Eruchalu, Principal Partner at Goziem Chambers, called the death “a chilling reminder of the risks citizens face daily.”

Director-General of the Institute of Medical and Health Law, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, said Chigbo, inducted in 2022, deserves justice fully, transparently, and without delay.