The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to pave the way for an independent, transparent and credible investigation into the controversial death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, at the minister's residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

“HURIWA wishes to make it abundantly clear that this demand does not amount to an accusation that the Minister committed any crime. Rather, it is a call for the highest standards of accountability and transparency in a matter that has understandably generated widespread public concern,” the rights group said Thursday in a statement.

It noted in the statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, that, “The President has a constitutional and moral duty to ensure that every suspicious death is investigated without fear or favour, irrespective of the status of those connected to it.”

“This case should not be treated differently simply because it involves a serving cabinet minister,” HURIWA said, adding: “To preserve the integrity of the investigation and eliminate any perception of interference, HURIWA urges President Tinubu to direct the immediate suspension of the Minister of Works pending the conclusion of investigations. The Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the Federation, representatives of Nigerian Bar Association, and two credible civil society organisations should jointly supervise a thorough forensic investigation, including a comprehensive autopsy and every other lawful investigative procedure necessary to establish the truth.”

Continuing, the statement said: “It is difficult to ignore the glaring disparity in the manner in which high-profile cases are handled in Nigeria. If the same incident had occurred in the residence of an ordinary citizen, that individual would almost certainly have been subjected to rigorous police questioning and, in many cases, taken into custody pending preliminary investigations. Nigerians deserve to know why a different standard should apply simply because the residence belongs to a powerful public official.

“Justice cannot wear two faces—one for the influential and another for ordinary citizens. Equal protection under the law demands equal treatment before the law.

“President Tinubu must recognise that this case has become a litmus test of his administration's commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Any action or inaction capable of creating the impression that the matter is being downplayed or shielded from full scrutiny will only deepen public distrust in state institutions.

“The death of a young Nigerian under controversial circumstances deserves nothing less than a transparent, independent, and professionally conducted investigation. The truth must be established, justice must be done, and justice must be seen to be done.”

HURIWA extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Mary Habila and urged law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear, favour, or external influence.

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