MARY HABILA’S DEATH: ATIKU DEMANDS INDEPENDENT PROBE, ASKS UMAHI TO STEP DOWN

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside while investigations into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse, are ongoing.

Habila, who was attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27, 2026, in accommodation linked to the minister during a visit to Uburu, Ebonyi State.

In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Atiku expressed condolences to Habila’s family and criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s handling of the case, insisting that Nigerians deserve a transparent and independent investigation.

He stressed that he was not alleging guilt against anyone but maintained that only a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation could establish the true circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death.

According to Atiku, whenever the death of a citizen is connected to a senior public official, the government has a responsibility to ensure public confidence in the investigative process.

The former Vice President urged President Tinubu to ask Umahi to temporarily vacate office while investigations are concluded, describing the move as a demonstration of public accountability rather than a punishment.

He also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts in the inquiry.

Atiku further advocated for an independent and internationally credible autopsy to determine the cause of death, with the findings made available to the public.

He also appealed to the authorities to ensure that Habila’s family is protected from any form of intimidation, pressure, or inducement throughout the investigation and granted full access to information relating to the case.

The former presidential candidate added that accountability should apply equally to all public office holders, regardless of their position.

Mary Habila’s death has continued to attract nationwide attention, with several individuals and groups demanding an independent investigation.

Minister David Umahi has previously supported the conduct of a forensic autopsy, while his legal team formally requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure a comprehensive post-mortem examination is carried out before the body is released for burial.

The minister’s lawyers also clarified that Habila was staying in accommodation designated for staff and associates, not in Umahi’s personal residence, and reiterated their support for a transparent investigation.

However, Habila’s family has asked the Ebonyi State High Court to halt the police investigation and rejected plans to conduct an autopsy.

In an affidavit filed before the court, her father, Tanko Habila, stated that the family does not suspect foul play and requested that her body be released immediately for burial.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has, however, maintained that investigations into the incident will continue, with no official conclusion yet reached on the cause of Habila’s death.