The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of three notorious armed robbery suspects linked to the murder of legal practitioner Barrister Chigbo Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix.

The suspects, described as members of a violent “one-chance” criminal syndicate, were apprehended in Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities within Kubwa, Abuja.

In Nigeria, “one-chance” is the specific term used to describe a type of robbery where criminals pose as legitimate commercial transporters, usually in a bus, taxi, or tricycle, to lure unsuspecting passengers into their vehicle before robbing or kidnapping them.

In a statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said the arrests followed directives from the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, aimed at ensuring that all perpetrators connected to the crime and similar offenses are swiftly brought to justice.

According to the police, the suspects are Saifullahi Yusuf (22) and Ishau Yusuf (24), both from Kaduna State and biological brothers, as well as Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia, also from Kaduna State.

SP Adeh said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate that has been operating on and off within the FCT for several years, particularly during festive periods.”

The statement detailed how the crime unfolded on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., when Barr. Chigbo unknowingly 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 added that the suspects also stole the victim’s Android mobile phone, which was later sold in Dei-Dei for ₦120,000, with Minka’ilu Jibril receiving ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf ₦15,000, and Ishau Yusuf sharing the remainder with another suspect currently at large.

During the arrests, officers recovered items believed to have been used in their criminal activities, including five scissors, two sharp dagger knives, two other knives, a long chain used for restraining victims, and a plier.

SP Adeh said, “Investigation is ongoing, and intensive efforts are in top gear to apprehend the remaining suspect currently at large, as well as to uncover any additional criminal networks linked to the syndicate.”

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, reassuring residents that the FCT Police Command remains “resolute in its commitment to rid the Territory of criminal elements.”

The public was urged to “remain vigilant, avoid boarding unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653,” SP Adeh added.

Last Thursday, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) raised the alarm over what it described as the disturbing resurgence of “one chance” criminal operations in the FCT, following the killing of two professionals in separate incidents in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on Thursday, the association said the incidents had plunged the nation’s capital into fear and mourning, warning that insecurity was once again tightening its grip on Abuja.

According to the NBA, the victims were Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch, who were both murdered after falling prey to criminals posing as commercial transport operators.

“What appears to be the disturbing return of “one chance” criminal operations in the Federal Capital Territory has once again plunged Abuja into grief,” the NBA said.

“In separate but equally tragic incidents, Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, our dear colleague, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja Branch, lost their lives after falling victim to this deadly criminal enterprise.”

The family of the lawyer detailed the circumstances leading to her death. Prior to her kidnapping, Nwamaka was on a phone call with her sister Anthonia when she was heard crying out in distress before the call abruptly ended.

Family members attempted to contact her and her abductors repeatedly, eventually receiving a demand for three million Naira, after which the calls were terminated.

Police were alerted and began tracking the kidnappers, but no ransom arrangements were successfully made. During subsequent calls, Nwamaka was heard screaming in pain before the line went dead.

The family was later informed on January 6 that a critically injured woman had been taken to a specialist hospital in Abuja. Upon arrival, Nwamaka’s sister Maureen found her lifeless body in the mortuary.

The victim showed signs of severe torture, including bruises, swollen eyes, and a cracked skull.

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