Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.
In a statement, Atiku expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, which reportedly occurred on June 27 at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s silence on the incident, noting that the public only became aware of the case after media reports emerged weeks later.
Atiku argued that asking the minister to step aside would not amount to a declaration of guilt but would help ensure transparency and boost public confidence in the investigation.
The former vice president also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts in the process.
He further demanded that a comprehensive and independent autopsy be conducted without delay and that the findings be made public.
Atiku also urged the authorities to ensure the family of the deceased is protected from any form of intimidation or undue influence during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has maintained that an autopsy remains the most credible means of determining the cause of Habila’s death.
The minister said he welcomed a thorough investigation into the incident and disclosed that he had advised the deceased’s family to consent to an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has also confirmed that investigations are ongoing, stating that detectives have visited the scene, obtained statements from relevant persons and are making arrangements for a post-mortem examination.
MukTV reports that no official has been found culpable in connection with the incident, and investigations by the police are still ongoing.
