The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the brutal murder of a popular cross-dresser known as “Abuja Area Mama.” The cross-dresser, also known as Chantelle, was found dead on Thursday morning along the Katampe-Mabushi Expressway in Abuja, sparking outrage and concern among his friends and the wider community.
A senior officer from the FCT Command, during a WhatsApp chat with our correspondent on Friday, emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. “Nigerians should not be afraid. It doesn’t matter who he is or what he was engaged in. He was a human being killed in such a gruesome way. The CP is not happy about it because this does not look well for the FCT,” the officer stated.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chantelle’s death. According to Adeh, the investigation was launched after a distress call was received on the morning of August 8, 2024, reporting the discovery of an unidentified person lying motionless along the expressway. When the police arrived at the scene, they found the victim dressed in female clothing with no form of identification. He was immediately taken to Maitama District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by doctors.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has promptly ordered a thorough and discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Updates on this matter will be communicated in due course,” Adeh said.
Friends of the deceased have expressed shock and grief over Chantelle’s sudden and violent death. A close friend, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of victimization, recounted her last conversation with him on Wednesday night. “I spoke to Area Mama that Wednesday night. He told me he was going out. I couldn’t hear him properly, but he promised to call me when he got back. He also said he wanted to go to Lugbe to see someone. It is still like a dream how he was killed like an animal,” she said.
Another friend, identified only as Lewis, revealed that Chantelle had worked as a hairdresser before moving to Abuja. He also mentioned that Chantelle had been receiving death threats from online bullies who warned him they would kill him if they saw him in public. “They have made real their threat. I beg the police to intervene. Chantelle cannot die like that,” Lewis pleaded.
The FCT Police Command has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted with diligence, and those responsible for this heinous crime will be brought to justice.
