The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) has called for an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, stating that no family should lose a loved one under circumstances that leave unanswered questions.

In the same vein, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally requested clarification from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on critical issues relating to the ongoing investigation into the death of Miss Habila.

While acknowledging the NPF’s public appeal for restraint and its assurance that investigations were ongoing, RULAAC said it believes that transparency, professionalism and timely factual communication are essential to maintaining public confidence in an investigation that has attracted widespread national attention.

It explained that its intervention “seeks to ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, accountability, equality before the law and internationally accepted standards for investigating suspicious deaths.”

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Solomon Musa, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon Yohanna, the forum said it received the news of Habila’s death “with deep shock and profound sadness,” describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as “mysterious, conflicting and disturbing.’

Habila reportedly died under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Council Area of Ebonyi State.

According to the forum, while death is inevitable, the circumstances surrounding Habila’s demise warrant a comprehensive investigation in line with constitutional and international legal standards.

Citing Sections 14(2)(b) and 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it stressed that every Nigerian citizen has a constitutional right to life and deserves a transparent process to establish the cause of death.

Consequently, “the SKLF demands an immediate, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation by the relevant law enforcement and security agencies,” the statement read.

“The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death must be fully unravelled and made public upon a valid autopsy and/or coroner’s inquest. Any attempt to quickly carry out the funeral of the deceased should be aborted and refrained from, as that may further precipitate suspicion and mistrust by the populace on the circumstances of the deceased’s demise.”

Among others, the forum said the circumstances that led to Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, the exact date and time of her death, when the incident was reported, the condition of her body, and the identities of persons present at the residence at the time of the incident should be clarified.

Meanwhile, RULAAC said it “has informed the Nigeria Police Force that it has received information from sources considered sufficiently credible to warrant official clarification. While we are not in a position to independently verify this information, we believe it is appropriate to seek clarification from the competent investigative authority.”

Consequently, it requested clarification on “whether investigators have established a verified timeline of events, including the presence and movements of all persons within the residence during the period surrounding Miss Habila’s death, including reports that the minister was present on the night of the incident and departed the following morning.”

It also requested to know whether the minister contacted the Director of Medical Services of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital to evacuate the body, following the discovery of Habila’s death, and whether the director declined, pending police examination and documentation of the scene.

Among others, it also asked to know what measures were taken to preserve the scene and relevant forensic evidence following the director’s insistence, if accurately cited. (The Guardian)