Atiku Urges Tinubu to Suspend Umahi Over Mary Habila’s Death

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to step aside pending 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 a residence linked to the minister in Ebonyi State, sparking public concern and calls for an independent investigation.

In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, Atiku expressed condolences to Habila’s family and insisted that only a transparent and independent probe could establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

“I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. Only a credible, independent and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” Atiku said.

He argued that when the death of a citizen is linked, directly or indirectly, to a senior government official, the authorities have a duty to ensure public confidence in the investigative process.

According to him, asking Umahi to temporarily vacate office would not amount to a punishment but would demonstrate accountability and strengthen public trust in the investigation.

“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” he stated.

Atiku also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the case from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts in the investigation.

He further called for an independent and internationally credible autopsy on the deceased, with the findings made public.

“The family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement or intimidation and be granted unfettered access to the facts surrounding their daughter’s death,” he added.

The former vice president stressed that accountability before the law should apply equally to all public officials, regardless of status.

The case has attracted nationwide attention, with several groups demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Umahi had earlier backed calls for a forensic autopsy, while his legal team maintained that the deceased was staying in accommodation designated for staff and associates, and not in the minister’s personal residence.

Meanwhile, Habila’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking the withdrawal of the police investigation and has also opposed an autopsy, insisting they do not suspect foul play in her death.

Police authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing, and no official findings on the cause of death have been released.