The family of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, a prominent lawyer and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch, has confirmed her tragic death following an abduction in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chigbo was kidnapped on Monday, January 5, and later found dead at an Abuja hospital mortuary, showing signs of torture, including bruises, swollen eyes, and a fractured skull.

According to a statement from her sister Maureen Chigbo, Nwamaka was on a phone call with her sister Anthonia when the abduction occurred. Anthonia reported hearing her sister’s cries for help before the line went dead.

The kidnappers later answered calls from the family, demanding a ransom of ₦3 million and issuing threats in English and Hausa. Despite repeated attempts to negotiate, the abductors provided no instructions and cut off communication.

The family promptly alerted law enforcement, contacting the Inspector General of Police, the FCT Commissioner of Police, and the Commander of the Scorpion Squad, which handles kidnapping cases in Abuja. Authorities assured the family that the kidnappers were being tracked.

Throughout the night, the family stayed in contact with the police. At one point, Nwamaka was heard pleading for help: “I am dying… save me, please send the money.” Hours later, police informed them that a critically injured woman had been admitted to a specialist hospital. Maureen Chigbo traveled to Abuja, where she identified her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary.

Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo was an accomplished lawyer, active member of professional associations including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Global Association of Female Lawyers (GAFA), and the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja. She authored a book on Infant Jesus and held leadership roles in several Catholic organizations.

The family expressed gratitude for police cooperation but urged that justice be served, emphasizing the need to apprehend the kidnappers. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.