Isaac Samuel
The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) has called for the full public disclosure of all investigation reports into the death of Miss Mary Habila, the health worker who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
The forum said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death remain unclear and have generated public concern, making it imperative for law enforcement authorities to conduct a transparent, impartial and comprehensive investigation and make their findings available to the public.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Solomon Musa, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon Yohanna, Esq., the forum described Habila’s death as “tragic, mysterious and suspicious,” extending condolences to her family and loved ones.
According to the statement, Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The lawyers maintained that while death is inevitable, no family should lose a loved one under circumstances that remain unexplained.
“The report concerning the place and circumstances of her death are conflicting and disturbing,” the statement said.
The forum added that the only way to restore public confidence is through a credible investigation carried out in line with constitutional provisions, domestic laws and international best practices.
The forum called on relevant law enforcement and security agencies to immediately commence a thorough investigation, including a valid autopsy and, where necessary, a coroner’s inquest, to establish the actual cause of death.
It also urged authorities to suspend any plans for the burial of the deceased until investigations are concluded, warning that a hurried burial could further deepen public suspicion and mistrust over the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the SKLF, investigators should determine the circumstances that led to Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, the exact date and time of her death, when the incident was officially reported, the condition of her body at the time of death, and the identities of those who were present in the residence on the day she died.
The forum also sought clarification on the whereabouts of the minister on the day of the incident, whether Habila died on June 27 but her death only became public on July 10, whether she served as a nurse or physiotherapist, when she travelled to Ebonyi State, and the circumstances surrounding her employment and deployment to Umahi’s residence.
It stressed that answers to these questions would reassure Habila’s family, members of the Southern Kaduna community and the wider public that the investigation was being conducted fairly and transparently.
The lawyers insisted that no individual, irrespective of office or status, should be shielded from investigation, urging all persons with relevant information to cooperate fully with investigators.
The forum specifically demanded that the reports of every investigation carried out into the matter be made public.
“The SKLF demands for the report of all investigations that will be carried out,” the statement said.
While appealing to the public to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course, the forum urged the media and all stakeholders to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her grieving family.
The lawyers pledged to monitor the investigation closely and provide legal support where necessary to ensure justice is served, disclosing that the forum is considering initiating legal proceedings if required to guarantee accountability.
Reaffirming the constitutional right to life as enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the forum said the sanctity of human life is non-negotiable and expressed confidence that the authorities would act diligently to establish the truth behind Habila’s death and ensure justice is done.
