LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed an Abuja-based lawyer, Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, after abducting her in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued by the family and signed by her elder sister, Maureen Chigbo.
According to the statement, the lawyer was abducted on Monday, January 5, 2026, while she was on a phone call with her sister, Anthonia.
The call was briefly interrupted, but when Anthonia reconnected, the line remained open and she reportedly heard Nwamaka screaming in distress before the phone went silent.
The family said repeated attempts to reach the lawyer or her abductors were initially unsuccessful until a call later went through.
A male voice, speaking in English and Hausa, allegedly demanded a ransom of ₦3 million and threatened to kill the victim if the money was not paid.
The caller reportedly provided no further details before disconnecting.
The family alerted the police and contacted senior security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the FCT.
The FCT Commissioner subsequently linked the family to the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, the police unit responsible for anti-kidnapping operations in Abuja.
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The statement said the police informed the family that the kidnappers were being tracked and were “in motion,” raising hope that the victim might be released. However, the kidnappers did not initiate further communication.
When family members later managed to reach the lawyer’s phone, they reportedly heard her crying in pain and pleading for help, saying she was dying and urging them to send the ransom.
The call ended abruptly, and the phone became unreachable thereafter.
The family maintained contact with the police throughout the night.
At about 4 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, the police commander reportedly expressed surprise that the lawyer had not been released and promised to intensify efforts to rescue her.
Later on Tuesday, the police informed the family that a woman in critical condition had been found and taken to a specialist hospital in Abuja.
Upon identification, the victim was confirmed to be Princess Nwamaka Chigbo, who was later pronounced dead.
The family said her body showed signs of severe torture.
Police authorities have assured the family that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible will be apprehended.
Princess Chigbo was a prominent member of the legal community.
She was an active member and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja branch, as well as a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA/IFWL) and the Global Association of Female Lawyers (GAFA).
She also served as former president of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.
The family called on security agencies to ensure that justice is served, while appreciating the support and prayers of colleagues, friends, and well-wishers.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.