THIS DAWN — The Chigbo family has announced the tragic death of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja‑based lawyer, who was abducted and killed by yet‑to‑be‑identified kidnappers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Nwamaka, a respected legal practitioner and devout Catholic, was the elder sister of Dr Maureen Chigbo, Editor and Publisher of Nigeria’s pioneer online platform, Realnews Magazine.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond, highlighting once again the growing insecurity in the nation’s capital.
Circumstances of the Abduction
According to a statement issued by the family, Nwamaka was on the phone with her sister Anthonia shortly before her abduction.
Anthonia briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client, but when she returned, the line was still active.
Distress cries were heard in the background before the phone suddenly went dead and became unreachable.
Alarmed, Anthonia immediately alerted her elder sister, Maureen, and other family members.
They tried repeatedly to reach Nwamaka or her abductors, but their calls went unanswered.
Eventually, a call connected, and a male voice cursed in both English and Hausa, demanding a ransom of three million naira.
“Thunder fire you there, send three million Naira or else we will kill her,” the voice threatened, before abruptly ending the call.
Family’s Efforts and Police Involvement
The family contacted the police, who assured them that they were tracking the kidnappers.
Authorities reportedly indicated that the abductors were “in motion and would likely drop the lawyer off once they might have collected the ransom.”
However, the kidnappers never initiated any calls.
When family members managed to reach Nwamaka’s phone again, they heard her screaming in pain.
“I am dying… save me, please send the money, I am dying,” she cried, before the line went dead once more.
Despite frantic efforts to secure her release, the family’s worst fears were confirmed the following day.
On Tuesday, January 6, they were informed that a woman had been found in critical condition and taken to an Abuja specialist hospital.
Dr Maureen Chigbo immediately flew from Lagos to Abuja.
Upon arrival at the hospital, she was directed to the mortuary, where she found her sister’s lifeless body.
The statement described visible signs of torture: bruises, swollen eyes, and a cracked skull.
The Chigbo family has since met with police authorities, who assured them that the case is under investigation and pledged to apprehend the culprits.
Professional and Religious Contributions
Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal and religious communities. She served as:
- Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch
- Member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
- Member of the Global Association of Female Lawyers (GAFA)
- President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja Branch
Beyond her legal career, Nwamaka was deeply committed to her faith.
A devout Catholic, she authored a book on the Infant Jesus and held leadership roles in several religious associations.
She was Vice President of the Infant Jesus Association and an active member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Group.
Her contributions to both law and faith earned her respect among colleagues, parishioners, and the wider community.
Family’s Appeal and Gratitude
In their statement, the Chigbo family expressed gratitude to the police for their cooperation so far, while urging them to ensure that justice is served.
They also thanked Nwamaka’s friends, colleagues, and well‑wishers for their support and prayers during this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements, the family noted, will be announced in due course.
The killing of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo underscores the worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, where kidnappings have become increasingly frequent.
Her death has reignited calls for stronger law enforcement, improved intelligence gathering, and more decisive action against criminal networks.
For many, her passing is not only a personal tragedy for the Chigbo family but also a stark reminder of the dangers faced by professionals and ordinary citizens alike in Abuja and across Nigeria.
Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo’s life was marked by service—to the law, to her faith, and to her community.
Her untimely death at the hands of kidnappers is a devastating loss to her family, colleagues, and the nation.
As investigations continue, the Chigbo family and the wider public await justice, hoping that her killers will be brought to account.
In the meantime, her legacy as a lawyer, leader, and devout Catholic endures, even as Nigeria grapples with the urgent need to confront the scourge of insecurity.
