Suspend Umahi Pending Investigation Into Mary Habila’s Death, Atiku Tells Tinubu

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct Works Minister David Umahi to step aside while investigations into the death of nurse Mary Habila continue.

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.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, Atiku said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death require a transparent, independent and credible investigation, stressing that he was not suggesting anyone was guilty.

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

Calls for accountability

According to Atiku, public confidence in the investigation can only be maintained if Umahi temporarily leaves office while the probe is ongoing.

“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” he stated.

He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.

Demands independent autopsy

The former vice president further called for an independent autopsy, with the findings made public, and urged authorities to protect Habila’s family throughout the investigation.

Habila died on June 27 while on a trip to Ebonyi State. Her death has generated widespread public attention, with several groups demanding an independent investigation.

While Umahi has publicly supported a forensic autopsy, Habila’s family has asked an Ebonyi State court to halt the police investigation and rejected an autopsy, insisting they do not suspect foul play.

Police say investigations into the incident are ongoing, and no official cause of death has been announced.