Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum seeks autopsy, transparent probe as questions persist over health worker’s death linked to Minister David Umahi’s residence
The death of Miss Mary Habila, the young health professional whose sudden passing at a facility within the residential compound of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has continued to reverberate across the country, has taken a fresh legal dimension, with the Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) demanding an independent forensic investigation, a coroner’s inquest and full public disclosure of the findings.
The intervention comes amid growing calls for transparency following the Ebonyi State Police Command’s decision to insist on an autopsy, despite initial resistance from the deceased’s family, while the Minister himself has publicly supported a forensic examination to establish the actual cause of death.
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In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Solomon Musa, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon G. Yohanna, the Forum described Habila’s death as “tragic” and said the conflicting accounts surrounding the incident had created legitimate public concern that could only be resolved through a transparent and professionally conducted investigation.
The lawyers argued that while every death is painful, unexplained deaths occurring in circumstances that attract widespread public attention impose an even greater responsibility on investigative agencies to establish the facts beyond speculation.
“No family should have to bury a daughter under such mysterious circumstances,” the Forum said.
Demand for Independent Inquiry
The Forum called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to conduct what it described as a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, insisting that a forensic autopsy and, where necessary, a coroner’s inquest remain the most credible means of determining the cause of death.
According to the lawyers, the investigation should establish a clear chronology of events leading to Habila’s death, identify everyone who may possess relevant information and scientifically determine the cause of death before any burial takes place.
The lawyers maintained that resolving those issues would not only assist the deceased’s family but also reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Constitutional Duty
The Forum anchored its position on the constitutional protection of the right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the State has both a legal and moral obligation to thoroughly investigate deaths occurring under suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
It stressed that accountability should never depend on the social or political standing of those connected to any investigation.
“No person, regardless of status, position or affiliation, is above the law,” the statement declared.
The lawyers also appealed to members of the public and the media to avoid speculation capable of prejudicing ongoing investigations while urging anyone with relevant information to cooperate fully with investigators.
Possible Legal Action
The Forum disclosed that it is closely monitoring developments and is considering further legal steps should they become necessary to guarantee what it described as the family’s right to truth, justice and accountability.
It pledged to provide legal support where appropriate and vowed to ensure that justice “is not only done but is seen to have been done.”
Growing Demands for Transparency
The SKLF’s intervention adds to mounting pressure from legal and civil society voices for an investigation that is not only thorough but also seen to be independent.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has already commenced investigations and insists that a post-mortem examination is essential to establish the cause of death. The Minister of Works has likewise publicly supported an autopsy, saying it represents the most credible path to resolving lingering questions surrounding the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, no official investigative findings establishing the cause of Habila’s death had been released.
