- Ogechukwu Okafor died hours after earning a master’s degree
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Wednesday held a solemn valedictory court session in honour of two late members of the Nigerian Bar, Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo and Ogechukwu Maureen Okafor, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to the legal profession and the cause of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, Justice Sylvanus Oriji conveyed the judiciary’s condolences to the families of the deceased lawyers and to professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Unity Bar, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Abuja Branch, Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja, and the wider legal community.
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“On behalf of the FCT Judiciary, the judges and staff of the court, we extend our deepest condolences,” Justice Oriji said. “Their passing constitutes a grievous and irreparable loss, not only to the legal profession but to the cause of justice which they both served with distinction.”
Justice Oriji described Princess Mediatrix Chigbo, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003, as a lawyer of “great scholarship and uncommon compassion.”
“She practised law not merely as a profession, but as a calling, with deep commitment to women, children and the marginalised,” he said. “She embodied ethical excellence and intellectual discipline.”
On Ogechukwu Maureen Okafor, born on 13 August 1987 and called to the Bar in 2015, the court noted her courage and commitment to human rights advocacy.
“Tragically, she obtained her Master of Laws degree in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from the University of Abuja on January 31, 2026, just hours before her untimely death,” Justice Oriji added.
The valedictory session was presided over by Justice Oriji, flanked by four other judges of the FCT High Court.
Bar Leaders, Women Lawyers Pay Tribute
Chairman of the NBA Abuja Unity Bar, Steve O. Emelieze, described the occasion as a moment of sober reflection on the vanity of life.
“This is a solemn reminder to do good at all times and to live in a way that leaves a lasting, positive memory,” he said, noting that both women were committed and active members of the Bar.
Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Abuja Branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, said the loss was deeply painful for the organisation.
“Their passing is not only a loss to their families and the Nigerian Bar, but a profound wound to FIDA,” she said. “They lived and defended the ideals of justice, dignity, compassion and service to the vulnerable.”
Princess Chigbo was remembered as a seasoned legal practitioner, scholar, mediator and former Bar leader whose life was defined by service and quiet strength.
“She believed in the law as a tool for justice for women, children and the marginalised, and she lived that belief through service and pro bono advocacy,” Onyenucheya-Uko said. “Her tragic and violent death is a stark reminder of the dangers confronting those who stand firmly for justice.”
She added that Princess Mediatrix Chigbo will be laid to rest on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Umuojji, Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ogechukwu Okafor, she noted, exemplified courage and discipline despite her young age.
“A fierce human rights advocate, a volunteer with the Legal Aid Council and the Duty Solicitors Network, and an active FIDA member, she practised law with conscience and compassion,” she said.
Okafor will be buried on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Aguleri in Anambra State, according to her family.
‘They Humanised the Law’
The State Lead of the NBA Women Forum, Abuja Chapter, Hadiza Afegbua, described Princess Chigbo’s death as more than the loss of a lawyer.
“It is the silencing of a voice that stood firmly for justice and the dignity of womanhood,” Afegbua said. “She wore the wig and gown not merely as professional attire, but as a sacred trust.”
She said both women exemplified true service to the Bar and to women in law.
“Their commitment was not performative. They were ministers in the temple of justice,” she said.
As tributes poured in, speakers agreed that Princess Chigbo and Ogechukwu Okafor did more than practise law — they humanised it, leaving behind legacies of courage, empathy and unwavering integrity.
