RULAAC seeks clarification on police investigation into death of Mary Habila as new information surfaces
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has requested clarification from the Nigeria Police Force on critical issues relating to its investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the nurse who died in her lodge in the residence of Works Minister David Umahi.
A statement Sunday by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma noted that while RULAAC acknowledges the Nigeria Police Force’s public appeal for restraint and its assurance that investigations are ongoing, it believes that transparency, professionalism and timely factual communication are essential to maintaining public confidence in an investigation that has attracted widespread national attention.
RULAAC noted that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila’s death have generated significant public concern because it reportedly occurred within the premises associated with the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
“We also note that the Minister has publicly denied any wrongdoing and has called for a forensic autopsy, while the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that no criminal charges have been filed against any person.
“Our intervention should not be construed as attributing criminal responsibility to any individual. Rather, it seeks to ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, accountability, equality before the law and internationally accepted standards for investigating suspicious deaths,” RULAAC said in the statement.
RULAAC informed police that it has received information from sources considered sufficiently credible to warrant official clarification.
“While we are not in a position to independently verify this information, we believe it is appropriate to seek clarification from the competent investigative authority.
“Accordingly, RULAAC respectfully requests clarification on the following issues:
1. Whether investigators have established a verified timeline of events, including the presence and movements of all persons within the residence during the period surrounding Miss Habila’s death, including reports that the Honourable Minister was present on the night of the incident and departed the following morning.
2. Whether it is correct that, following the discovery of Miss Habila’s death, the Honourable Minister contacted the Director of Medical Services of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital to evacuate the body, and whether the Director declined pending police examination and documentation of the scene. If so, what measures were taken to preserve the scene and relevant forensic evidence?
3. Whether the scene was secured immediately, which Police formation first responded to the incident, and what forensic and investigative procedures have since been undertaken.
4. Whether statements have been obtained from all persons present within the residence during the relevant period and whether all necessary investigative steps have been taken to establish the cause and circumstances of Miss Habila’s death.
“RULAAC further notes that the circumstances surrounding this tragic death have inevitably attracted heightened public interest because of previous incidents in Ebonyi State that remain subjects of public concern, including the disappearance of five engineers and the 2021 death of the then Commissioner for Infrastructure and Development, Engineer Fidelis Nweze. It has also been publicly reported that Senator Umahi referred to both the late Engineer Nweze and Miss Habila as persons very close to him.
“We emphasise that these references are made solely to underscore the importance of ensuring that the present investigation is thorough, impartial, professional and evidence-based. They should not be interpreted as suggesting criminal responsibility or wrongdoing on the part of any individual.
“RULAAC reiterates that justice requires both accountability and fairness. No person should be convicted in the court of public opinion, just as no person, regardless of office or influence, should be insulated from lawful investigation. The credibility of the investigation will ultimately depend on its independence, transparency, scientific rigour and adherence to due process.
“We respectfully urge the Nigeria Police Force to provide factual clarification on these issues, continue to keep the public appropriately informed as investigations progress, and ensure that every investigative decision is guided solely by law and evidence.
“The death of a young Nigerian under circumstances that remain unclear deserves nothing less than a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation capable of establishing the truth, delivering justice where appropriate, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice,” the statement noted.
