Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to ensure the family of the late Mary Habila is protected from intimidation, inducement or any form of interference as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her death.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku said the family must be guaranteed unrestricted access to information relating to the death of the 26-year-old, who reportedly died on June 27 at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The former Vice President said the family deserved justice and should not be subjected to pressure while seeking answers over the incident.
“The family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement or intimidation, and must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death,” Atiku said.
Mary Habila, a native of Nok in Southern Kaduna, was reported to have died at Umahi’s residence under circumstances that remain unclear.
Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the Federal Government’s handling of the matter, noting that weeks after the incident, there had been no publicly disclosed autopsy report or official explanation on the cause of death.
He maintained that while he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, only a credible and transparent investigation could establish the facts surrounding the case.
“I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” he stated.
The former vice president also called on President Bola Tinubu to direct Umahi to step aside while investigations are ongoing, saying such a move would demonstrate accountability and strengthen public confidence in the process.
He further urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.
In addition, Atiku demanded that a comprehensive autopsy be conducted without further delay and that the findings be made public.
According to him, the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving public official places a greater responsibility on government institutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
“The measure of a nation is how it responds when the powerful are touched by tragedy and the powerless demand truth,” he said, adding that Mary Habila’s death should not be reduced to “a footnote of political convenience.”
He offered condolences to Habila’s family and prayed for justice, insisting that every Nigerian life must be accorded equal value regardless of status.
