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. For more updates on crime news in Nigeria and legal developments, check our latest news section
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a lawsuit against former Senator Andy Uba and two others over alleged involvement in a ₦400 million fraud. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024, was presented before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu were also named as co-defendants, with an additional suspect, Hajiya Fatima, reportedly at large. Details of the Charges The charge, filed by Abdulrashid Sidi on behalf of the police on October 10, alleges that the defendants conspired in 2022 to commit fraud by falsely promising to secure appointments as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for interested parties willing to pay ₦400 million. According to the charges: Evidence and Proceedings George Uboh, the petitioner, submitted evidence, including documents and voice recordings, to substantiate his claims, describing them as “overwhelming and irrefutable.” At least six witnesses have been listed to testify against the accused. However, their arraignment has been delayed until February 18, 2025, due to complications with serving court documents. Challenges in the Case During the proceedings on November 13, the prosecution lawyer, M.L. Anthony, informed the court that the defendants had been avoiding court summons despite being granted administrative bail. He revealed that the defendants obtained a fundamental rights enforcement order in 2023, which temporarily barred the police from bringing them to court. This order was lifted recently, allowing the case to proceed. Next Steps Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to February 2025 to provide the defendants an opportunity to take their plea. The outcome will determine the next steps in the legal battle against the former senator and his co-accused. READ ALSO:]
