The Arewa Women Forum for Justice and Good Governance has petitioned the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), calling for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a medical professional who reportedly died at the private residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The group called for the probe in a petition addressed to the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria and signed by the group’s founder, Aisha Bada, on Thursday, July 16.
It urged the UN agency and relevant Nigerian authorities to support what it described as a transparent, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death.
The group said an independent probe had become necessary to ensure public confidence in the investigation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
According to the petition, Habila died under what the forum described as suspicious circumstances, raising questions about the events leading to her presence at the minister’s residence.
“We respectfully urge UNODC and relevant Nigerian authorities to support an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila.
“Only a credible investigation based on forensic evidence, witness testimony, and due process can establish the truth and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice,” the petition read.
The forum alleged that there were inconsistencies in the public narrative surrounding the incident and urged investigators to rely on scientific and forensic evidence in determining the cause of death.
It also called for investigators to examine previous allegations that had been publicly made against Umahi, including allegations of sexual misconduct and other unresolved controversies dating back to his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.
“The investigation should be guided solely by credible evidence and due process. Accountability and transparency are essential to maintaining public confidence in the justice system, regardless of the status of those involved,” the petition added.
The group, among others, also called for the constitution of an independent investigative panel involving relevant Nigerian agencies and, where necessary, international observers.
It also sought a comprehensive forensic investigation, including autopsy findings, toxicology reports, and other scientific examinations, protection for witnesses and members of the deceased’s family, and prosecution of any individual found culpable through lawful investigation.
Copies of the petition were sent to UN Women in Nigeria, the African Union Commission, the ECOWAS Commission, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The group’s petition comes amid ongoing police investigations into Miss Habila’s death, with the Ebonyi State Police Command stating that it has commenced a full investigation after Habila was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, on June 27.
Police said detectives had processed the scene, obtained statements from key witnesses, and insisted that a forensic autopsy was necessary to establish the cause of death.
However, the deceased’s family, in an affidavit deposed by her father, Mr Tanko Habila, reportedly rejected plans for an autopsy on his daughter’s remains and withdrew from further investigation into her death.
Meanwhile, Works Minister, David Umahi, has repeatedly denied any involvement in Miss Habila’s death, describing her as “like a daughter” and insisting he has nothing to hide.
Umahi also formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a forensic autopsy before her remains are released for burial and asked that the investigation be transferred to Abuja to ensure transparency.
The minister further clarified that Habila was a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, not a physiotherapist as initially reported in some media reports, and disclosed that she had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition before her death.
