Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku expressed condolences to the family of the deceased but criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the matter, saying Nigerians deserve transparency and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The former vice-president alleged that the government had failed to provide sufficient information on the incident, noting that no public explanation had been given by key federal authorities since the matter came to public attention.
Atiku said he was not making any judgment on the guilt or innocence of any individual but insisted that only a credible and independent investigation could establish the facts surrounding the nurse’s death.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works to step aside temporarily pending the outcome of investigations, describing the move as necessary for public accountability.
The former presidential candidate also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts.
Atiku further demanded that a comprehensive autopsy be conducted and that the outcome be made public, while also calling for protection of the deceased’s family from any form of pressure or intimidation.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death require a transparent process capable of restoring public confidence.
“Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest,” Atiku said.
The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier stated that the family of the deceased was not willing to proceed with an autopsy, while the command said it was prepared to engage a pathologist to conduct a post-mortem examination.
Habila’s death has continued to generate public attention, with calls from various groups for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
