A civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Kwechiri Unity Forum, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, alongside others, over Mary Habila’s death.

Habila, a female nurse attached to Umahi, was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27.

Aside from the IGP and Umahi, others listed as defendants are the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Tanko Habila, father of the late Habila.

The CSO filed the suit through its legal team, led by Eziafa Enwedo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17, according to a court document seen yesterday.

The group asked the court to compel the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate Habila’s death and conduct a formal autopsy on her body.

It appealed to the court to declare that public authorities have a duty to protect evidence that may aid an investigation into unexplained deaths.

The group asked the court that Habilah's death ought to be investigated impartially, irrespective of the status or office of the person who possesses relevant information.

The CSO prayed the court to grant an interim injunction, restraining the respondents from “releasing, burying, interring, cremating or otherwise disposing of the body of the late Habila pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The group also asked the court to order the respondents to preserve all available evidence relating to Habila’s death pending the conclusion of the investigation into her death.

It further asked the court to order the respondents to comply “with recognised forensic and investigative standards where appropriate.

Meanwhile, the Interfaith Youth Council of Nigeria (IYCN) has called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, urging Nigerians to avoid speculation and allow the rule of law to take its course.

The leader of the group, Moses Moses, described her death as a tragic loss. While public concern over the incident is understandable and the demand for justice is legitimate, Moses said that criminal responsibility can only be established through credible investigations and judicial processes rather than public opinion.

“The distinction between verified facts, allegations and personal opinions must be maintained. In any society governed by the rule of law, criminal responsibility can only be determined through a credible investigation and, where appropriate, judicial proceedings,” he said.

The council urged investigative agencies to ensure that their inquiries are guided solely by credible evidence and conducted without fear, favour, political interference or undue influence.

However, a coalition of 300 civil society organisations led by Gender for Social Justice and Good Governance (GFSJGG) has withdrawn its planned protest against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the death of Mary Habila, saying its independent findings did not establish any wrongdoing against the minister.

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the group said it had reviewed additional evidence, conducted an on-the-spot assessment in Uburu, Ebonyi State, consulted medical personnel and other stakeholders, and found no basis to continue demanding Umahi’s resignation or proceed with the planned demonstrations scheduled for July 23 and 24.

The coalition said its earlier decision to mobilise for a protest was based on information available at the time, stressing that subsequent investigations pointed to a different conclusion. (The Guardian, but headline reworked)

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