Nigeria’s female lawyers seek justice for murdered colleague Mediatrix Nwamaka-Chigbo

The Global Association of Female Attorneys has called on relevant authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction and murder of one of its pioneer members, Mediatrix Nwamaka-Chigbo.

Chinelo Iriele, the association’s international president, made the call in a statement following the killing of Ms Nwamaka-Chigbo on January 5.

Ms Iriele described the deceased as a devoted, creative and highly committed colleague, as well as a founding member of GAFA and its former international secretary.

“She was passionate about humanity and actively participated in all GAFA initiatives, including pro bono legal representation of indigent persons, mediation exercises, and visits to orphanages.

“She also engaged in school outreach programmes on the girl-child, and public engagements such as talk shows and seminars on money laundering, security, human relations, and social development,” she said.

She described the incident as a “tragic and painful” loss, noting that Chigbo was abducted and later murdered on the same day, while her sister was reportedly on the phone with her at the onset of the incident.

While lamenting over increasing cases of insecurity and loss of lives, the president urged government and security agencies to ensure justice, describing accountability as essential to deterring future acts of violence.

“Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises their peaceful existence and upholds the sanctity of human life. May our leaders use their respective offices wisely, responsibly, and humanely for the collective good of the citizens,” she added.

Ms Nwamaka-Chigbo was kidnapped and subsequently murdered. She was a former treasurer of the FCT branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, and a former president of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja.