Abuja Lawyer Killed After N3 Million Ransom Demand: Final Calls Reveal Distressing Cries for Help

Tragic new details have emerged regarding the final moments of Abuja-based lawyer, Nwamaka Chigbo, who was abducted and subsequently killed following a N3 million ransom demand, according to her family.

The family revealed that Chigbo was on the phone with her sister, Anthonia, moments before her abduction. Alarmingly, the call reportedly remained active even after the lawyer was taken, allowing her sister to hear her cries of distress before the line suddenly went dead.

“When Anthonia reverted, Nwamaka’s phone was still live. Her distress cries were audible in the background before the line abruptly went dead and unreachable,” the family stated.

Despite repeated attempts to reach Chigbo or her abductors, initial efforts were unsuccessful. When communication was eventually established, a male voice answered, issuing threats and demanding a ransom.

“A male voice cursed in both English and Hausa, warning, ‘Send three million naira, or we will kill her,’” the family statement read.

The family promptly reported the incident to the police, who assured them of ongoing tracking efforts and suggested that the kidnappers might release Chigbo after collecting the ransom. However, the kidnappers did not make further contact. Subsequent calls to the lawyer’s phone revealed horrifying details.

“They heard Nwamaka screaming in pain, pleading, ‘I am dying, save me. Please send the money; I am dying,’ before the phone went dead again,” the family added.

Efforts to secure her release continued, but the situation ended tragically. On Tuesday, January 6, the family was informed that a woman in critical condition had been admitted to a specialist hospital in Abuja. Chigbo’s sister, Maureen Chigbo, traveled from Lagos to Abuja to confirm the situation.

“On arrival, she found her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary, showing signs of brutal torture—bruises, swollen eyes, and a cracked skull,” the family said.

Chigbo was a respected legal professional, serving as the former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch, and as a member of international bodies such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the Global Association of Female Lawyers.

Her untimely death has sparked widespread concern among legal practitioners. Afam Okeke, former NBA Abuja chairman, called for enhanced coordination among security agencies to address kidnappings and similar crimes within the Federal Capital Territory.

“I urge the police to utilize all necessary resources to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice, preventing any future occurrence,” Okeke said.

The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, assured the NBA delegation that the command is conducting extensive and discreet inquiries to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.

“The Command has commenced detailed investigations surrounding this incident, with a firm commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and her family,” the police said in a statement.

The tragic death of Nwamaka Chigbo highlights the urgent need for strengthened security measures and improved responses to kidnapping in Nigeria’s capital, emphasizing the vulnerability of professionals and citizens alike.

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