Suspected ‘One-Chance’ Armed Robbery Who Killed Lawyer Princess Chigbo Arrested
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected armed robbers linked to the killing of legal practitioner, Barrister Chigbo Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix, who died after allegedly falling victim to a notorious “one-chance” criminal gang in Abuja.
The suspects were arrested in separate operations across Dei-Dei, Dakwa and Dan-Tata communities within the Kubwa area of the FCT. They were identified as Saifullahi Yusuf (22) and Ishau Yusuf (24), biological brothers, and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia. All three are said to be from Kaduna State.
In Nigeria, “one-chance” refers to a form of robbery in which criminals pose as commercial transport operators to lure unsuspecting passengers into vehicles before robbing, kidnapping or killing them.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the arrests followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, to ensure all those connected to the crime and similar offences are brought to justice.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a violent “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate that has operated intermittently within the FCT for several years, particularly during festive periods.
SP Adeh explained that the fatal incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., when Barrister Chigbo boarded a black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway.
“Upon entry into the vehicle, the suspects wound up the tinted windows and threatened the victim with weapons in an attempt to force her to pay ransom for her own release,” the statement said.
“When she allegedly refused to cooperate, she was physically assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle along the Kubwa Expressway, resulting in her death.”
The police further disclosed that the suspects stole the victim’s Android mobile phone, which was later sold in Dei-Dei for ₦120,000. According to investigators, Minka’ilu Jibril received ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf ₦15,000, while the remaining proceeds were shared by Ishau Yusuf and another suspect who is currently at large.
Items recovered from the suspects during their arrest included five scissors, two sharp dagger knives, two other knives, a long chain allegedly used to restrain victims, and a plier.
SP Adeh said investigations are ongoing, adding that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the remaining suspect and uncover other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents that the FCT Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the territory of criminal elements.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant, avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report suspicious activities through the police emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 07057337653.
The arrests come amid growing concern over the resurgence of “one-chance” crimes in Abuja. Last Thursday, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) raised the alarm following the killing of two professionals in separate incidents in the FCT.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA said the deaths of Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, had plunged the nation’s capital into fear and mourning.
The family of the slain lawyer earlier recounted that she was on a phone call with her sister shortly before her abduction, crying out in distress before the call abruptly ended. Subsequent ransom demands were made, but no agreement was reached. She was later found dead in a hospital mortuary, bearing signs of severe torture, including bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull.