Family, Female Lawyers Demand Thorough Probe into Murder of Abuja Lawyer
The family of slain Abuja-based lawyer, Mediatrix Chigbo, alongside the Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA), has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into her killing, insisting that justice must be fully served.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of three suspects over Chigbo’s death, which was allegedly linked to “one-chance” armed robbery operators in Abuja. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
However, speaking during a Night of Tribute organised in her honour by GAFA on Friday in Abuja, the deceased’s younger sister, Ms Maureen Chigbo, described the incident as tragic and devastating, urging authorities to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth.
Maureen Chigbo, a former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, revealed that she personally interviewed the arrested suspects in her capacity as an investigative journalist while seeking justice for her sister.
According to her, there were glaring discrepancies and contradictions in the suspects’ statements which, she said, must be critically examined during the investigation.
“We are not dealing with suppositions. A homicide investigation must examine all loopholes to establish the truth,” she said.
“My sister fought for justice and advocated for the poor. We will not let her struggle be in vain. We want justice for her and for humanity, so the dead can rest and the living live in peace.”
She further disclosed that the late lawyer had attended evening Mass on the day of her death and spoke to her sister shortly before making a distress call, which was later followed by threats from unidentified persons.
Maureen urged legal practitioners, civil society groups, and relevant stakeholders to support a comprehensive investigation and ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
“This is homicide. The investigation cannot be sloppy or superficial. Justice is the standard, and justice is what she must receive,” she added.
The International President of GAFA, Mrs Chinelo Iriele, described Chigbo as a committed professional and a former International Secretary of the association.
Iriele called on security agencies to fully investigate, apprehend, and prosecute everyone involved in the crime.
“We demand that the perpetrators be exposed and face the full consequences of the law. Accountability is essential to curb recurring violence in our society,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Chigozie Eruchalu, Principal Partner at Goziem Chambers, described the killing as “a chilling reminder of the dangers citizens face daily.”
Also speaking, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Director-General of the Institute of Medical and Health Law, said Chigbo, who was inducted into the institute in 2022, deserved justice that is transparent, timely, and complete.
Several legal practitioners, media professionals, and notable personalities attended the tribute to honour the late lawyer.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, had earlier confirmed the arrest of the suspects, describing them as notorious armed robbery operatives involved in “one-chance” crimes and Chigbo’s killing.
According to Adeh, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, following intelligence-led operations.
She explained that the police tracked the victim’s mobile phone using reconstructive digital intelligence, leading to arrests at Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities within the Kubwa area.
“Two of the suspects are biological brothers,” she disclosed.
Adeh said investigations revealed that on January 5, at about 5:50 p.m., Chigbo unknowingly boarded a black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway, unaware that the occupants were criminals.
“The suspects allegedly wound up the tinted windows, threatened her with weapons, and attempted to force her to pay ransom for her release,” she said.
She added that when the lawyer allegedly refused to cooperate, she was assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle, resulting in her death.
The police spokesperson said the suspects later sold the victim’s Android phone for ₦120,000, which was shared among three suspects and another accomplice currently at large.
Recovered exhibits include five scissors, two daggers, two knives, a long chain used for restraining victims, and a plier, all believed to have been used in their criminal activities.
Adeh said investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the entire criminal network.