Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum Demands Independent Probe Into Death of Mary Habila, Raises Critical Questions for Authorities

Abuja, July 16, 2026 — The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the controversial death of Miss Mary Habila, a health practitioner who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In a press statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Dr. Solomon Musa, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon G. Yohanna, Esq., the lawyers described the incident as tragic, mysterious, and deeply disturbing, insisting that only a comprehensive investigation can restore public confidence and establish the truth.
The Forum expressed profound sympathy to the family of the deceased, noting that no family should be forced to bury a loved one under circumstances clouded by unanswered questions and conflicting reports.
According to the statement, while death is an inevitable reality, the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s demise have generated widespread public concern, making it imperative for law enforcement authorities to conduct investigations consistent with both Nigerian law and international best practices.
The SKLF anchored its demand on the provisions of Sections 14(2)(b) and 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), emphasizing that every Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to life and that the state has a duty to protect that right through transparent and lawful processes.
Demand for Immediate Investigation
The Forum called on relevant security agencies to launch a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation, including a professionally conducted autopsy and, where necessary, a Coroner’s Inquest to establish the true cause of death.
It further urged authorities to suspend any plans for the burial of the deceased until all forensic examinations and legal procedures have been completed, warning that any hurried burial could deepen public suspicion and undermine confidence in the investigative process.
Nine Critical Questions
The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum identified several unresolved issues which it believes investigators must answer, including:
The circumstances that led to Mary Habila’s presence at the residence of the Minister of Works.
The exact date and time of her death and when it was officially reported.
The physical condition of her body at the time of death.
The identities of everyone present in the residence on the day the incident occurred.
The whereabouts of Engr. David Umahi on the day of Mary’s death.
Reports alleging that Mary died on June 27, 2026, while the public was only informed on July 10, 2026, and the reasons for the apparent delay.
Whether Mary served as a nurse or a physiotherapist.
The date she travelled to Ebonyi State.
The nature of her employment and the circumstances under which she was assigned to the Minister’s residence.
According to the Forum, answers to these questions are essential not only for the bereaved family but also for the wider public whose confidence in the justice system depends on transparency and accountability.
No One Above the Law
The lawyers stressed that the rule of law must prevail regardless of the status or position of any individual connected to the matter.
They maintained that every person with relevant information should cooperate fully with investigators and urged the authorities to make the findings of their investigations public upon completion.
While encouraging citizens to remain calm and avoid speculation, the Forum appealed to the media to report responsibly and respect the dignity of the deceased as well as the privacy of her grieving family.
Commitment to Justice
The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum pledged to closely monitor the investigation and provide legal support where necessary to ensure justice is achieved.
It further disclosed that it is considering legal action should circumstances require judicial intervention to guarantee accountability and fairness.
“As lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, we reiterate that the sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the statement declared, emphasizing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
The Forum concluded by expressing confidence that the relevant authorities would act diligently and swiftly to uncover the truth behind Mary Habila’s death, bring clarity to the numerous unanswered questions, and reassure the public that justice will prevail.
The statement ended with prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased while reaffirming the Forum’s commitment to pursuing truth, justice, and accountability in the matter.