Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to temporarily step aside while investigations continue into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.
Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 in accommodation linked to the minister in Ebonyi State. The incident has generated widespread public attention and renewed calls for an independent investigation.
Atiku says public confidence must be protected
In a statement shared on his X account, Atiku expressed sympathy to Habila’s family and said the circumstances surrounding her death require a transparent and impartial investigation.
He stressed that he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, noting that only a credible investigation could establish the true facts surrounding the incident.
According to the former vice president, whenever the death of a citizen is connected to a senior public official, authorities have a greater responsibility to ensure openness and public trust throughout the investigative process.
Calls for Umahi to step aside
Atiku argued that asking the Minister of Works to temporarily leave office while investigations are ongoing would demonstrate accountability rather than serve as punishment.
He also urged President Tinubu to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to guarantee a credible investigation that inspires public confidence.
Appeal to Police for independent probe
The former presidential candidate further called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters.
He also recommended the involvement of independent forensic experts to strengthen the credibility of the investigation.
In addition, Atiku requested that an independent autopsy be conducted and that its findings be made available to the public.
Protection for Habila’s family
Atiku urged authorities to protect Mary Habila’s family from intimidation or undue influence during the investigation.
He maintained that the family should have unrestricted access to information relating to the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death.
Family opposes autopsy
Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking to withdraw the ongoing police investigation and has declined an autopsy.
In an affidavit filed before the court, Mary Habila’s father, Tanko Habila, stated that the family does not suspect foul play in her death.
Umahi backs forensic examination
Earlier, David Umahi publicly supported the conduct of a forensic autopsy.
His legal representatives also asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive post-mortem examination is completed before the body is released for burial.
The minister’s legal team clarified that Habila was staying in accommodation designated for staff members and associates rather than in Umahi’s personal residence.
Police investigations into the case remain ongoing, and authorities have yet to release official findings on the cause of Mary Habila’s death.