Grief mixed with resolve on Friday in Abuja as the family of slain lawyer Mediatrix Chigbo and the Global Association of Female Attorneys (GAFA) renewed calls for a thorough, no-nonsense investigation into her murder.
The demand came during a Night of Tribute organised in her honour, where emotions ran high and one message stood out clearly: justice must not fail her.
Her younger sister, Maureen Chigbo, described the killing as devastating and insisted that investigators must dig deeper. Speaking not just as family but as an investigative journalist, Maureen revealed she personally interviewed suspects and uncovered serious contradictions in their accounts.
“This is homicide, not speculation. Every loophole must be examined,” she said. “My sister lived for justice, defended the poor, and handled pro bono cases. We will not let her struggle be in vain.”
Maureen also disclosed that Mediatrix had attended evening Mass and spoken with her shortly before making a distress call, after which threats from unknown persons followed.
She called on lawyers, civil society, and stakeholders to stand firm until the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted, stressing that justice must serve as a deterrent.
GAFA International President, Mrs Chinelo Iriele, described Chigbo as a committed colleague and former International Secretary of the association, insisting that accountability is key to stopping recurring violence.
“We demand that those responsible be exposed and face the full weight of the law,” she said.
Other speakers echoed the call. Mrs Chigozie Eruchalu of Goziem Chambers called the killing a “chilling reminder” of daily risks, while Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Director-General of the Institute of Medical and Health Law, said justice for Chigbo must be transparent, complete, and swift.
Legal practitioners, media professionals, and prominent figures attended the tribute, united in one demand: Justice for Mediatrix Chigbo — for her family, for the legal profession, and for society.
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