Atiku Urges Tinubu to Suspend Umahi Pending Investigation Into Mary Habila's Death

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26 year old Mary Habila.

In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Atiku expressed condolences to Habila's family and called for a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences who was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, died on June 27 in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

"I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26 year old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna," Atiku said.

"First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died."

The former vice president said his call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against any individual, stressing that only a credible investigation could establish the facts.

"Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone's guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth," he said.

Atiku argued that where a death involves a senior public official, the government has a responsibility to ensure public confidence in the investigative process.

"A government's first duty is the protection of life. Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest," he said.

He called on President Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works to temporarily vacate office while investigations continue.

"President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy," Atiku said.

The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate also urged the Inspector General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.

"The Inspector General of Police must immediately transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts," he said.

He further called for an independent autopsy and requested that the findings be made public.

"A full, independent, and internationally credible autopsy must be conducted without further delay, with the findings made public," he said.

Atiku also urged the authorities to ensure the protection of Habila's family throughout the investigation.

"The family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement, or intimidation, and must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter's death," he added.

The death of Mary Habila has attracted public attention, with several groups calling for an independent investigation.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has publicly supported a forensic autopsy. His legal representatives have also requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive post mortem examination is conducted before the body is released for burial.

However, Habila's family has filed an affidavit before the High Court of Justice in Ebonyi State opposing an autopsy and requesting the withdrawal of the police investigation. The family said it does not suspect foul play and wants the body released for burial.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Habila's death are ongoing, and no official findings on the cause of death have been released.