The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Nigeria Police Force to promptly arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killing of a female lawyer, Princess Chigbo Mediatrix.
The lifeless body of Princess Mediatrix, a former Treasurer of the Abuja Branch of the NBA, was discovered a few days ago along the Kubwa Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Her death comes shortly after the body of a health worker with the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, was also found within the FCT, raising serious concerns over the rising menace of “one-chance” criminal activities in the city.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Abuja Branch of the NBA condemned the killing and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
The statement, jointly signed by the Branch Chairman and Secretary, Steve Emelieze and Onyeka Obiajulu, respectively, urged relevant authorities to urgently put effective security measures in place to safeguard residents of the FCT.
“The NBA Abuja Branch acknowledges and commends the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in combating crime within the FCT.
“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.
“Abuja must not be allowed to degenerate into a city where citizens live in constant fear for their lives while commuting,” the statement read in part.
The NBA further called on the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and other relevant security agencies to urgently intensify intelligence-driven investigations, dismantle ‘one-chance’ syndicates, increase visible and strategic police presence along identified hotspots, and ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the death of Princess Mediatrix Chigbo and similar crimes.
Emphasising that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, the NBA assured the family of their departed colleague of its solidarity, while demanding accountability, justice, and concrete action.
The Association stressed that the sanctity of human life must be upheld and that the security of residents of the Federal Capital Territory should be treated as an urgent national priority.