The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has asked the Nigeria Police Force to promptly arrest and prosecute persons responsible for the death of a female lawyer, Princess Chigbo Mediatrix.
The lifeless body of the former Treasurer of the Abuja branch of the NBA was few days ago found along Kubwa expressway in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The incident occurred few days after the body of a health worker with the Federal Medical Center, Jabi, was also discovered in the FCT, raising serious concerns over the rising menace of “one-chance” in the city center.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Abuja branch of the NBA, while condemning the killings, demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
The statement signed by both the chapter’s Chairman and Secretary, Steve Emelieze and Onyeka Obiajulu, urged relevant authorities to put machinery in place for the security and safety of 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,” parts of the statement read.
The NBA subsequently called on the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and 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”.
While stating that justice must not only be done but must be seen to have been done, the NBA assured the family of their departed colleague of their solidarity and demanded for accountability, justice, and concrete action.
The NBA pointed out that the sanctity of human life must be upheld, and the security of residents of the Federal Capital Territory must be treated as an urgent national priority.
