‘One-Chance’ robbers kill lawyer in Abuja

The family of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer, is mourning her brutal murder at the hands of unidentified kidnappers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory —another tragic victim of the escalating security crisis plaguing the nation’s capital.

The barrister’s death has reignited concerns about the notorious “one-chance” kidnapping syndrome that has terrorized Abuja residents for years, turning routine commutes into potentially fatal encounters.

“One-chance” refers to a criminal operation where unsuspecting passengers board commercial vehicles—typically taxis or buses—only to discover too late that the drivers and some passengers are kidnappers or armed robbers. The term derives from victims having “one chance” to escape before being robbed, assaulted, kidnapped for ransom, or killed.

The syndicate has become increasingly brazen in Abuja, operating across major routes including the Airport Road, Kubwa Expressway, Nyanya-Keffi Road, and even within the city center. Victims are often dispossessed of their belongings, sexually assaulted, or—as in Barrister Nwamaka’s case—abducted for ransom and murdered when demands are not immediately met.

Also Read: Police impound 10 vehicles over “one chance” activities in FCT

Despite repeated warnings from security agencies and countless testimonies from survivors, the criminals continue to operate with alarming impunity, often using vehicles that appear legitimate to lure victims.

Barrister Nwamaka was believed to have been kidnapped on Monday. Before her ordeal, she spoke with her sister Anthonia, who briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client. When Anthonia returned to the line, the phone was still connected, but she could hear her sister’s distress cries before the line suddenly went dead.

Sensing danger, Anthonia immediately alerted their elder sister, Maureen Chigbo, and other family members, who frantically tried calling the lawyer’s number. Their fears were confirmed when a male voice finally answered, raining curses in English and Hausa: “Thunder fire you there, send three million Naira or else we will kill her.”

The captors provided no further details about how or where to deliver the ransom and abruptly terminated subsequent calls.

The family launched immediate efforts to secure Nwamaka’s release, contacting multiple levels of law enforcement. They reached out to the Police Force Public Relations Officer, sent distress messages to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and contacted the FCT Police Commissioner, who connected them with the Commander of the Scorpion Squad—the unit responsible for kidnapping cases in Abuja.

The Commander informed the family that police were tracking the kidnappers, who were “in motion” and would likely release the lawyer once they collected the ransom. However, the criminals never initiated structured ransom negotiations.

When family members managed to reach the kidnappers through Nwamaka’s phone seeking clarification on payment, they were met with heart-wrenching screams: “I am dying… save me, please send the money, I am dying,” before the line went dead again.

Throughout Monday night, the family was in contact with the Police Commander, desperately awaiting news of a rescue operation.

At 4 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, when Maureen called the Commander, he expressed surprise that the lawyer had not returned home and promised to escalate the rescue operation.

Hours later, he called with devastating news: “A lady had been found in a critical condition” and taken to an Abuja specialist hospital. He requested Nwamaka’s picture for identification purposes.

Maureen immediately flew from Lagos to Abuja. At the hospital, she found her sister’s lifeless body in the mortuary—bearing bruises, swollen eyes, and a cracked skull, all evidence of a tortured death.

Barrister Nwamaka Chigbo was not just a lawyer; she was a dedicated public servant and devout Catholic. She served as an active member and former treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, and belonged to the International Federation of Women Lawyers and Global Association of Female Lawyers. She was also a former President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.

An ardent Catholic, Nwamaka authored a book on the Infant Jesus and served as vice president of the Infant Jesus Association and member of the Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Group, among other religious organizations.

The Chigbo family has met with police authorities, who have assured them that the case is under investigation and that the culprits will be apprehended. The family expressed gratitude for the police cooperation thus far but urged the force to ensure justice is served.

Credible News reports that a few days ago, Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, was found dead on the roadside after completing her shift on January 3, 2026. Eyewitnesses and reports suggest she fell victim to suspected “one chance” robbers.

Nwamaka’s murder underscores a broader systemic failure. Despite years of public outcry, the “one-chance” menace persists, raising questions about intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities, and the prosecution of captured suspects.

Security analysts have repeatedly called for enhanced surveillance on major routes, stricter regulation of commercial vehicles, deployment of undercover operatives, and swift prosecution of arrested criminals to serve as deterrents.

As Abuja residents continue to live in fear of boarding the wrong vehicle, Barrister Nwamaka’s death serves as a painful reminder that the nation’s capital remains unsafe for its citizens—and that urgent, comprehensive action is needed to dismantle these criminal networks.

The family wishes to thank Nwamaka’s friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.