Southern Kaduna group demands probe into woman's death at Umahi's residence

A Southern Kaduna advocacy group, Southern Kaduna Is Awake, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the Abuja residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

The group said the incident had raised serious concerns over accountability and justice, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the woman's death should be subjected to a thorough and impartial investigation.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Nasiru Jagaba, the group said reports indicating that police investigators were insisting on an autopsy before the release of the body suggested that critical questions surrounding the case remained unresolved.

"It is not about politics, ethnicity or religion. It is about justice. When an ordinary citizen dies under suspicious circumstances in the residence of a serving minister, the burden of accountability becomes even greater," the statement read.

The group urged the President to direct an independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and restore public confidence in the justice system.

It said investigators should determine why Habila was at the minister's residence, who invited her, the purpose of her visit, who was responsible for her welfare while there, and the sequence of events that led to her death.

The group also urged security agencies to question all persons reportedly connected with the incident, including a woman said to have travelled with the deceased and a police officer allegedly involved in bringing the women to the residence.

According to the statement, while no individual should be presumed guilty, no one should be considered above investigation.

It further called on the Nigeria Police Force to resist any external pressure and ensure that investigators followed the evidence wherever it might lead.

The group also expressed concern over reports that members of Habila's family might be facing pressure regarding the demand for an autopsy, saying any such allegation should itself become part of the investigation.

It maintained that a professional autopsy was essential to determining the exact cause of death and protecting both the deceased and anyone who might be wrongly accused.

"The truth should not fear investigation. The innocent should not fear the truth. Justice should never bow before power," the statement added.

The group said making the findings of the investigation public would help address growing public concern and reinforce confidence in the country's justice system.

Mary Habila reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, under circumstances that have generated widespread public attention.

Although details surrounding the incident remain unclear, reports indicate that police investigators have insisted on conducting an autopsy before releasing the body for burial as part of efforts to establish the actual cause of death.

The incident has sparked calls from civil society groups and members of the public for a transparent and independent investigation to determine what transpired and ensure accountability.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to release the outcome of its investigation into the case.