Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.
Habila, who was attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, reportedly died on June 27 in accommodation linked to the minister in Uburu, Ebonyi State, sparking widespread public concern.
In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and stressed the need for a transparent, impartial and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young nurse’s death.
He clarified that his call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against anyone but insisted that only an independent investigation could establish the truth.
According to him, whenever a death is connected to a serving public official, the government owes Nigerians the responsibility of ensuring that investigations are conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence.
The former Vice President urged President Tinubu to ask Umahi to temporarily relinquish his office while investigations continue, describing the move as a basic standard of accountability rather than a punishment.
Atiku also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts to guarantee transparency.
He further demanded that an independent forensic autopsy be conducted without delay and that the outcome be made public.
In addition, Atiku appealed to the authorities to ensure adequate protection for Habila’s family, warning against any form of intimidation or interference during the investigation.
“The true test of a nation is how it responds when those in authority are connected to a tragedy and ordinary citizens seek justice,” he said.
The death of Mary Habila has continued to generate national attention, with individuals and civil society groups demanding a thorough investigation into the incident.
Umahi has, however, publicly backed calls for a forensic autopsy.
His legal team also requested the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure that a comprehensive post-mortem examination is conducted before the body is released for burial.
The minister’s lawyers maintained that the deceased was lodged in accommodation designated for staff members and associates, not in Umahi’s personal residence, while reiterating their support for a transparent investigation.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking the withdrawal of the police investigation and has declined the request for an autopsy, insisting they do not suspect any foul play in her death.
Police authorities say investigations are still ongoing, and no official cause of death has been established.
