Southern Kaduna Lawyers Urged to Lead Justice Campaign Over Nurse's Death

The Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum has called on lawyers of Southern Kaduna extraction to take the lead in the campaign for justice over the death of a professional nurse, Mary Habila, whose death was reportedly recorded at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.

The forum also urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Umahi from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the incident, saying such a step would strengthen public confidence in the integrity of the investigative process.

In a statement signed by its President, Arc. Samuel H. Yakubu the Director Media and Strategic Communications, Israel Bulus and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the forum described the circumstances surrounding Habila's death as disturbing and deserving of a transparent, impartial and comprehensive investigation.

It said, "This is not merely a private tragedy but a matter of public interest. Every Nigerian who believes in justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life must insist that the truth behind this unfortunate incident is uncovered."

The group maintained that no public office holder, irrespective of status or influence, should be shielded from scrutiny when a Nigerian dies under circumstances requiring investigation.

According to the forum, suspending the minister should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt but as a necessary measure to preserve the credibility and independence of the investigation.

It stated, "We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, of his official duties pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a declaration of guilt but a necessary step to preserve the integrity, credibility and independence of the investigative process."

The forum further expressed concern over reports alleging that Habila was found with blood flowing from her mouth, saying although the reports had not been officially confirmed, they raised questions that warranted forensic examination.

"The reported circumstances make it imperative that investigators establish the exact cause and manner of death through scientific evidence. No aspect of this case should be overlooked or prematurely concluded," it added.

The group cautioned against what it described as any attempt to hurriedly bury the deceased before the completion of an independent autopsy and all necessary forensic and legal procedures.

It described Habila as "a national asset," noting that as a trained nurse, she dedicated her professional life to saving others.

"Mary Habila was not only a daughter and a sister; she was a professional nurse whose service was invaluable to Nigeria's healthcare system. Her death is a loss not only to her family but also to the nation," the statement read.

The forum also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant investigative agencies to conduct what it described as a painstaking, impartial and comprehensive investigation without fear or favour.

It urged investigators to question everyone connected with the incident, preserve all available evidence, engage forensic experts where necessary and make the outcome of the investigation public.

The SKPF further appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, civil society organisations, human rights groups, faith-based organisations and the media to sustain pressure for justice.

The forum, however, placed a special responsibility on lawyers from Southern Kaduna to champion the cause.

"We particularly call on Southern Kaduna lawyers to take the lead in this quest for justice. This is the moment when our voices must be heard. As defenders of the Constitution and guardians of the rule of law, members of the legal profession from Southern Kaduna must stand firmly in defence of justice for Mary Habila.

"We urge them to constitute a legal team to monitor the investigation, support the bereaved family where necessary and ensure that no individual, regardless of status or office, frustrates the course of justice. History will remember those who stood for truth when it mattered most," it stated.

The forum disclosed that it had given Umahi a three-day ultimatum to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding Habila's death, arguing that continued silence would only heighten public anxiety and speculation.

It added that, as a body comprising professionals from different fields, it would closely monitor every stage of the investigation and continue to advocate for truth, accountability and justice until the circumstances surrounding Habila's death were fully established.

"Justice delayed is justice denied. Mary Habila deserves justice, and Nigeria deserves the truth," the statement concluded.