The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” armed robbery syndicate linked to the murder of Abuja-based legal practitioner, Barrister Chigbo Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix.
The suspects were apprehended in Dei-Dei, Dakwa and Dan-Tata communities within the Kubwa area of Abuja following intensive operations ordered by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, identified the suspects as Saifullahi Yusuf (22) and Ishau Yusuf (24), biological brothers from Kaduna State, and Minka’ilu Jibril, also known as Dan-Hajia, likewise from Kaduna State.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a violent “one-chance” criminal gang that has operated intermittently within the FCT for several years, particularly during festive periods. In Nigeria, “one-chance” refers to a form of robbery in which criminals pose as commercial transport operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing, assaulting or kidnapping them.
The police said the fatal incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 5:50 p.m., when Barrister Chigbo boarded a black Volkswagen Golf 3 along the Kubwa Expressway.
“Upon entry into the vehicle, the suspects wound up the tinted windows and threatened the victim with weapons in an attempt to force her to pay ransom for her release,” SP Adeh said.
“When she allegedly refused to cooperate, she was physically assaulted and pushed out of the moving vehicle along the Kubwa Expressway, resulting in her death.”
The suspects reportedly stole the victim’s Android mobile phone, which was later sold in Dei-Dei for N120,000. Police said Minka’ilu Jibril received N30,000, Saifullahi Yusuf N15,000, while Ishau Yusuf shared the balance with another suspect who is currently at large.
Items recovered during the arrests include five scissors, two sharp dagger knives, two other knives, a long chain allegedly used to restrain victims, and a plier.
SP Adeh disclosed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle any other criminal networks linked to the syndicate.
CP Dantawaye commended the operatives for their professionalism and reassured residents of the Command’s resolve to rid the territory of criminal elements.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant, avoid boarding suspicious or unregistered vehicles, and report suspicious activities through the police emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 07057337653.
The arrests come amid growing concern over the resurgence of “one-chance” crimes in Abuja. Last Thursday, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) raised the alarm following the killing of two professionals in separate incidents in the FCT.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA identified the victims as Ms. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse, and Princess Chigbo Mediatrix, a lawyer and former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch.
The association said the incidents had plunged the nation’s capital into fear and mourning, warning that insecurity was once again tightening its grip on Abuja.
Meanwhile, the family of the slain lawyer narrated that she was on a phone call with her sister, Anthonia, shortly before her abduction, during which she was heard crying out before the call ended abruptly. Subsequent calls by family members reportedly led to a ransom demand of N3 million, after which communication ceased.
The family later discovered her lifeless body at a specialist hospital mortuary in Abuja on January 6. They said the deceased showed signs of severe torture, including bruises, swollen eyes and a cracked skull.
