The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the brutal killing of Abuja-based lawyer, Princess Mediatrix Chigbo. The association described the incident as a shocking and unacceptable assault on the legal profession and a disturbing reflection of the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Princess Chigbo, a former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, was reported missing before her lifeless body was discovered days later along the Kubwa Expressway, one of the major transport corridors in the nation’s capital. Her death has sent shockwaves through the legal community and heightened public anxiety, particularly among residents who rely on public transportation within the city.
The killing occurred against the backdrop of another recent and troubling incident in which the body of a health worker with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, was also found in the FCT under suspicious circumstances. The two cases, coming in quick succession, have intensified concerns over the resurgence of the notorious “one-chance” criminal syndicates, which target unsuspecting commuters, especially along busy roads and transport routes in Abuja.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the NBA Abuja Branch condemned the killing of Princess Chigbo, describing it as a dastardly and inhuman act that must not be allowed to go unpunished. The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the branch, Steve Emelieze, and the Secretary, Onyeka Obiajulu.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in addressing crime in the FCT, the NBA said the continued occurrence of violent crimes raises serious questions about the adequacy of current security measures and the overall safety of residents.
“The NBA Abuja Branch acknowledges and commends the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in combating crime within the FCT,” the statement read. “However, the continued occurrence of these heinous crimes raises grave concerns about the safety of residents, particularly commuters who rely daily on public transportation along major routes such as the Kubwa Express Road.”
The association warned that Abuja, as the seat of government and symbol of national unity, must not be allowed to descend into a city where citizens live in constant fear for their lives. According to the NBA, the growing sense of insecurity undermines public confidence, threatens economic activities, and erodes the fundamental right of citizens to move freely without fear of violence or death.
The NBA Abuja Branch specifically called on the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and all relevant security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to address the situation. These steps, the association said, should include the intensification of intelligence-driven investigations, the dismantling of “one-chance” criminal networks, and the deployment of increased and strategic police presence along identified hotspots across the city.
The association stressed that the killers of Princess Chigbo must be swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. It emphasised that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, in order to reassure the public and restore confidence in the criminal justice system.
According to the NBA, failure to ensure accountability in such high-profile cases could embolden criminal elements and further expose residents to danger. The association noted that crimes targeting professionals, commuters, and ordinary citizens alike point to a broader security challenge that requires urgent and coordinated action.
Beyond its call for law enforcement action, the NBA also urged the authorities responsible for the administration of the FCT to put in place more effective measures to guarantee the safety and security of residents. These measures, the association suggested, should include improved surveillance, better coordination among security agencies, and proactive engagement with communities to identify and address emerging threats.
The NBA Abuja Branch reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, stressing that the sanctity of human life must remain inviolable. It noted that the loss of Princess Chigbo is not only a personal tragedy for her family and loved ones, but also a collective loss for the legal profession and society at large.
Describing the late lawyer as a dedicated professional and a committed member of the association, the NBA expressed deep sympathy to her family and assured them of the branch’s solidarity during this difficult time. The association pledged to continue to demand accountability and justice until those responsible for her death are brought to book.
The killing has also sparked renewed conversations within the legal and civil society communities about the broader implications of insecurity in Abuja. Many residents have expressed concern that criminal activities, once thought to be more prevalent on the outskirts of the city, are increasingly occurring along major roads and within central areas of the capital.
The NBA warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the perception of Abuja as a relatively safe city could be severely damaged. Such a development, it noted, would have negative consequences for national morale, investor confidence, and the everyday lives of residents who depend on public transportation to go about their lawful activities.
In its concluding remarks, the NBA Abuja Branch reiterated that the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory must be treated as an urgent national priority. The association called on all relevant authorities to rise to the occasion and demonstrate the political will and professionalism required to confront the menace of violent crime.
As investigations continue into the death of Princess Mediatrix Chigbo, the NBA maintained that justice for the slain lawyer would serve as a powerful signal that criminality will not be tolerated and that the lives of citizens, regardless of profession or status, are valued and protected under the law.
