Mary Habila: RULAAC says demand for probe about accountability not accusation
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, who died under “sudden and unexplained circumstances” at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, RULAAC said it was concerned by reports of alleged threats directed at the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) after the group sought judicial intervention for an independent probe.
“Seeking an independent, impartial and effective investigation into an unnatural or suspicious death is neither an accusation of guilt nor an act of persecution. It is a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights and a fundamental requirement of the rule of law,” the group stated.
RULAAC noted that Nigerian law and international human rights obligations require that suspicious deaths be investigated promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently. It added that where a person dies unexpectedly in the residence or care of another, especially a public official, authorities have a “heightened duty” to establish the facts through a credible investigation.
The group condemned any attempt to intimidate those demanding accountability. “If the reported threats are accurate, they risk undermining public confidence in the pursuit of justice and may discourage citizens and civil society organisations from exercising their constitutional rights,” RULAAC said.
The advocacy centre acknowledged that the Minister has denied wrongdoing and publicly supported a forensic autopsy. RULAAC said that the position “should naturally extend to supporting an independent, transparent and credible investigation free from intimidation or undue influence.”
RULAAC reiterated its call on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the investigation is conducted professionally, impartially and transparently, in line with international best practices, with findings made available through appropriate legal channels.
The group further stated that public confidence in the probe was important given past public concerns linked to the Minister. “This makes it all the more imperative that the present investigation is demonstrably independent, transparent and capable of dispelling any perception of bias or impunity,” the statement read.
“Justice requires that every suspicious death be investigated without fear or favour. Calling for such an investigation is not a declaration of guilt; it is a demand that the truth be established through due process. Those advocating for accountability should not be threatened or intimidated for seeking justice,” RULAAC concluded.
The statement was signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC.
