The family of Nwamaka Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, has given an account of the circumstances surrounding her abduction and killing by suspected kidnappers in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on behalf of the family by RealNews magazine publisher Maureen Chigbo, they said the deceased was abducted on Monday, January 5, and later killed by persons yet to be identified.
According to the family, the lawyer was on the phone with her sister Anthonia shortly before she was taken. Anthonia reportedly stepped away briefly to attend to a client, leaving the call active.
When she returned, the phone line was still open, and she heard her sister’s distress cry before the call abruptly went dead.
Anthonia alerted her elder sister Maureen Chigbo and other family members, who repeatedly tried to reach Princess Chigbo or her abductors without success.
When a call later went through, a male voice reportedly demanded a ransom of three million naira, threatening to kill the victim if the money was not sent.
“Thunder fire you there, send three million Naira or else we will kill her,” the caller reportedly said before ending the call.
The family said subsequent calls were either unanswered or cut off. They contacted the Police Force Public Relations Officer and were referred to complaint numbers. Distress messages were also sent to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Police Commissioner, who linked them with the Commander of the Scorpion Squad in Abuja.
The family said the police informed them that the kidnappers were being tracked and were believed to be on the move.
However, the kidnappers did not make further contact. When the family managed to reach them through Nwamaka Chigbo’s phone, they said they only heard her crying in pain.
“I am dying. …save me, please send the money, I am dying,” she reportedly said before the phone went dead again.
The family said they maintained contact with the police throughout the night. At about 4 am on Tuesday, the police expressed concern that the lawyer had not been released and promised to intensify the operation.
Later that day, the family was informed that a woman had been found in critical condition and taken to a specialist hospital in Abuja. They were asked to send a photograph for identification.
Nwamaka, a former president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), travelled from Lagos to Abuja and said she later identified her sister’s body at the hospital mortuary.
According to the family, the body showed signs of severe injuries, including bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull.
The family said they have since met with police authorities, who assured them that the case is under investigation and that those responsible will be arrested.
Princess Chigbo was an active member and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja. She was also a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, and the Global Association of Female Lawyers. She previously served as President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.
The family described her as a devoted Catholic and noted that she authored a book on the Infant Jesus. Until her death, she was vice president of the Infant Jesus Association and a member of several Catholic groups.
The family thanked the police for their efforts so far and appealed for justice in the case. They also expressed gratitude to friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their support, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced later.
