Late Abuja Lawyer,
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate in connection with the murder of Abuja-based lawyer, Barrister Princess Chigbo Nwamaka Mediatrix.
The suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations carried out between January 5 and 10, 2026, after directives by the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, to ensure that all those involved in the gruesome crime are brought to justice.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said operatives of the Command’s Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, tracked the victim’s mobile phone using reconstructive digital intelligence.
According to her, the operation led to coordinated raids across Dei-Dei, Dakwa, and Dan-Tata communities in the Kubwa axis of Abuja, resulting in the arrest of Saifullahi Yusuf, 22; Ishau Yusuf, 24; and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia.
The first two suspects were identified as biological brothers, all hailing from Kaduna State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to a long-standing “one-chance” robbery syndicate notorious for targeting unsuspecting commuters, particularly during festive periods.
Adeh explained that on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 pm, the deceased lawyer boarded a black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway, unaware that the occupants were criminals.
Shortly after entering the vehicle, the suspects allegedly wound up the tinted windows, threatened her with weapons, and attempted to extort ransom.
She said when the victim reportedly resisted, she was assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries that led to her death.
Further investigation showed that the suspects dispossessed the victim of her Android mobile phone, which was later sold at Dei-Dei for ₦120,000.
From the proceeds, Minka’ilu Jibril reportedly received ₦30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf ₦15,000, while Ishau Yusuf and another suspect, identified simply as Musa and currently at large, shared the remaining sum.
Police recovered several exhibits from the suspects, including five scissors, two daggers, two knives, a long chain used for restraining victims, and a pair of pliers, all believed to have been used in previous criminal operations.
The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.
CP Dantawaye commended the operatives for their professionalism and assured residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid unregistered or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report suspicious activities through the police emergency lines.
Further updates, the Command said, will be provided as investigations progress.
