Public concern continues to grow across Nigeria following the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Habila reportedly died under circumstances that are currently being investigated by the authorities.
Confirming the incident, Umahi acknowledged that the deceased died at his residence and stated that he immediately alerted medical personnel and the Nigeria Police Force after the incident.
The minister also appealed to Habila’s family to consent to an autopsy to determine the scientific cause of death, stressing that the outcome of the investigation should be guided by evidence.
The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, where many Nigerians have demanded greater transparency in the investigation and questioned the circumstances surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence.
Several individuals and advocacy groups have urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, professional, and independent investigation without regard to the status or office of anyone connected to the case.
Civil society organisations have also called for the autopsy process to be carried out transparently, with representatives of the deceased’s family allowed to observe where appropriate, to strengthen public confidence in the findings.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians have urged law enforcement authorities to ensure that the facts surrounding Habila’s death are fully established and that anyone found culpable, based on the outcome of the investigation, is held accountable in accordance with the law.
