Mary Habila’s death: FENRAD urges Tinubu to suspend Umahi pending investigation

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the controversial death of Mary Habila, a young physiotherapist, at the minister’s country residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the human rights organisation described the incident as deeply troubling, noting that several unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death have heightened public concern and underscored the need for a credible investigation.

According to FENRAD, issues raised in a widely circulated publication titled “Death in Uburu: The Questions David Umahi Must Answer” have brought to the fore important questions regarding the circumstances under which the deceased was present at the minister’s residence, the reported secondment of physiotherapists from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works, the nature of their assignments, and the necessity for a comprehensive forensic investigation, including an independent autopsy.

The organisation stressed that these issues should be addressed through lawful investigations rather than public speculation.

FENRAD maintained that only an independent investigation conducted with transparency and supported by scientific evidence can establish the true facts surrounding the incident while restoring public confidence in the justice system.

“As a human rights organisation committed to justice, accountability and the rule of law, we believe that every Nigerian life is sacred and that no public official, regardless of office or status, should be shielded from legitimate public scrutiny where serious questions arise,” the statement said.

The group, however, emphasized that due process must be respected, noting that every individual remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

To ensure the integrity of the investigation, FENRAD called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend Senator Umahi from office pending the conclusion of an independent probe.

According to the organisation, such a suspension should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt but rather as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and an impartial investigative process.

Among its demands, FENRAD called for the immediate establishment of an independent investigative panel comprising representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, credible civil society organisations, forensic experts and other relevant professional bodies.

The group also requested a comprehensive forensic investigation, including an independent autopsy and all necessary scientific examinations in line with international best practices.

It further urged authorities to preserve and secure all physical, documentary, electronic and forensic evidence connected to the case while ensuring adequate protection for witnesses and other persons with relevant information against intimidation or interference.

FENRAD equally called for the transparent publication of the investigation’s findings and the prosecution of anyone found culpable, irrespective of political office, social status or influence.

The organisation appealed to women’s rights groups, gender justice advocates, civil society organisations, youth groups, labour unions, professional associations, faith-based organisations and the wider human rights community to join the call for justice for Mary Habila.

According to FENRAD, the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death deserve thorough scrutiny to assure Nigerians that justice will be done.
“The pursuit of justice in this matter is not about personalities or politics.

It is about protecting the sanctity of human life, defending the rule of law, strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions and ensuring that no Nigerian is denied justice because of the status or influence of those connected to a case,” the statement added.

The organisation extended its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mary Habila, pledging to stand in solidarity with them throughout the pursuit of justice.

FENRAD concluded that Nigeria’s democracy would be strengthened only when public institutions uphold transparency, accountability and equal justice under the law, insisting that Mary Habila, her family and all Nigerians deserve nothing less.