The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Miller Dantawaye, has issued a critical security alert to residents, with a specific focus on women. The warning advises against accepting unsolicited lifts or free rides from strangers, a practice that has become deadly in the nation's capital.
Urgent Warning Following Tragic Murders
This urgent advisory from the police chief comes in the wake of two brutal murders that have shocked the Abuja community. The victims were identified as Princess Nwamaka Ochigbo, a legal practitioner, and Chinemerem Chuwumeziemwere, a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi. They were allegedly killed by criminals operating the notorious 'one-chance' scheme.
CP Dantawaye delivered the warning on Friday, January 9, 2025, during a meeting at the FCT Police Command headquarters. The meeting was a courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association. The group included representatives from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the NBA Women Forum, and the Unity Bar.
Police Advice and Ongoing Investigation
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner outlined essential safety measures. He urged all residents to maintain a high level of security consciousness, particularly when using public transportation.
The CP specifically advised women to be extremely cautious about the vehicles they enter and to firmly avoid accepting free rides from unknown persons. He stressed that collective vigilance and timely information sharing from the public are vital tools in the fight to dismantle one-chance criminal networks across the Territory.
While expressing his condolences to the NBA delegation over the loss of their colleague, Princess Ochigbo, Commissioner Dantawaye provided an update on the case. He assured them that the Command has launched extensive and discreet investigations into the circumstances of the incident. The police are committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible for the heinous act.
Detectives Already on the Case
In a related development, PPRO Josephine Adeh confirmed in a separate statement on Wednesday that detectives have already commenced work on the investigation. This indicates the high priority the police command is placing on solving these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The police warning serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in the city. Residents, especially women who are often targeted, are encouraged to prioritize their personal safety by being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
