Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong call to action, describing the brutal murder of Abuja-based lawyer Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo as a stark indicator of Nigeria's escalating security crisis.
A Condolence Visit and a Call to Action
Obi made his remarks on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after visiting Maureen Chigbo, the publisher of Realnews Online Magazine and immediate past president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). Maureen is the elder sister of the deceased. The former Labour Party flagbearer used his X (formerly Twitter) platform to express his grief and frustration.
"It deeply pains me to write this due to the circumstances surrounding Princess Nwamaka's death," Obi stated. He highlighted that as a practising lawyer committed to national development, her tragic end symbolized the failure of a system to provide fundamental safety for its citizens.
The Tragic Details of the Crime
Princess Chigbo, who had travelled home for the Christmas holidays, returned to Abuja to attend to a court case. Her life was cut short on Monday, January 6, 2026. After attending an evening Mass in the Federal Capital Territory, she fell victim to a suspected 'one-chance' criminal operation while on her way home.
'One-chance' is a form of robbery where criminals posing as commercial vehicle operators abduct, rob, and sometimes kill unsuspecting passengers. Obi described the incident as deeply distressing and a clear sign of the growing vulnerability of Nigerians, even within the nation's capital.
A Wake-Up Call for Government and Security Agencies
The former Anambra State governor framed the killing as an urgent wake-up call for authorities at all levels. He insisted that the protection of lives and property must be a non-negotiable priority, placed above political maneuvering and propaganda.
"For the government, this is yet another wake-up call to prioritise the safety of Nigerians above politics and propaganda," Obi asserted. "Ensuring the security of citizens is the primary duty of any government, and it is within our reach."
He directed a specific demand to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, urging them to ensure the swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible. Obi emphasized that delivering justice for Princess Chigbo would also serve as a crucial deterrent against similar violent crimes.
The murder has reignited public fear and anger over the resurgence of 'one-chance' crimes in Abuja, casting a shadow over the safety of daily commuters. As tributes pour in for the slain lawyer, Obi expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and reaffirmed his belief in the possibility of a safer nation, concluding, "Surely, a new Nigeria is possible."
