The family of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, has announced her tragic death following a brutal kidnapping incident in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement released by relatives, the late barrister was abducted on Monday, January 5, 2026, under distressing circumstances that unfolded while she was speaking on the phone with her sister, Anthonia.
According to the family, the victim had been conversing with her sister when the call was briefly interrupted as Anthonia attended to a client.
Upon returning to the call, the line remained connected, but she reportedly heard distress cries from the lawyer moments before the phone went silent and became unreachable.
Alarmed, Anthonia alerted their elder sister, Maureen Chigbo, and other family members, who repeatedly dialled the number in a desperate attempt to reach either the victim or her abductors.
When contact was eventually made, a male voice speaking in English and Hausa allegedly issued threats and demanded a ransom of ₦3 million, warning that the victim would be killed if the money was not delivered. The caller provided no instructions for payment and subsequently stopped answering calls.
The family said they promptly contacted police authorities, including officials of the Nigeria Police Force, and were directed to complaint lines for emergency reporting.
Distress messages were also sent to the Inspector-General of Police, while the FCT Police Command reportedly connected the family with the commander of a special anti-kidnapping unit.
Police sources allegedly informed the family that efforts were underway to track the kidnappers, who were believed to be on the move and might release the victim after collecting ransom.
Family members said attempts to clarify payment arrangements yielded only harrowing audio of the lawyer crying out in pain and pleading for help before the line disconnected once again.
Relatives maintained communication with security officials throughout the night as they awaited updates on the rescue operation.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Suspected bandits kill residents; kidnap others in early morning attack on Kaduna community
In the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, the police reportedly informed the family that a woman in critical condition had been found and taken to a specialist hospital in Abuja, requesting a photograph for identification.
Maureen Chigbo immediately travelled from Lagos to Abuja, where she was confronted with the devastating news that her sister had died.
According to the family, the body showed signs of severe trauma, including bruises, swollen eyes, and a fractured skull.
Police authorities have since assured the family that an investigation is ongoing and that those responsible will be brought to justice.
The late Princess Nwamaka Chigbo was described as a respected member of the legal community. She served as a former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (Abuja branch) and belonged to several professional bodies, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Global Association of Female Lawyers.
She also previously led the Catholic Lawyers Association in Abuja and was active in multiple religious organisations.
An ardent Catholic, she authored a book on the Infant Jesus and served as vice president of the Infant Jesus Association, in addition to participating in other faith-based groups.
While expressing appreciation to the police for their response, the Chigbo family urged authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
They also thanked friends, colleagues, and sympathisers for their support and prayers during the difficult period, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
The killing has further highlighted growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crime in the Federal Capital Territory, with citizens calling for stronger security measures to protect residents.