Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to ask the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside while investigations continue into the death of 26-year-old nurse, Mary Habila.
Habila, who worked at the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 in accommodation linked to the minister in Ebonyi State.
In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Atiku expressed sympathy to Habila’s family and called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to lose a daughter in the prime of her life while also struggling to know the truth about how she died,” he said.
Atiku stressed that he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing but said only a fair and open investigation could establish the facts.
He urged President Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily leave office until the investigation is completed.
“This is not a punishment. It is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” Atiku said.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, also asked the Inspector-General of Police to move the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.
He further called for an independent autopsy, with the findings made public, and urged the authorities to protect Habila’s family from any form of pressure or intimidation.
Habila’s death has attracted widespread public attention, with several groups demanding an independent investigation.
Umahi has already supported a forensic autopsy. His lawyers said the nurse was staying in accommodation meant for staff and associates, not in the minister’s personal residence. They also said they wanted a transparent investigation to determine the cause of her death.
However, Habila’s family has asked an Ebonyi State High Court to stop the police investigation and has refused to allow an autopsy. Her father, Tanko Habila, said the family did not suspect foul play in her death.
Police investigations are still ongoing, and officials are yet to announce the cause of Habila’s death.
