•Demand thorough investigation

By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) has described the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila as suspicious and called for an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

According to a statement jointly signed by SKLF Chairman, Dr. Solomon Musa, and Publicity Secretary, Solomon G. Yohanna, Esq., the forum said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death on June 27, 2026, were “murky, unclear and questionable,” insisting that only a thorough investigation, including an autopsy or coroner’s inquest, could establish the true cause of her death. The lawyers urged authorities to halt any burial plans pending the outcome of investigations, maintaining that “no person, regardless of status, position, or affiliation, is above the law.”

The forum expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, saying no family should lose a loved one under circumstances that remain unclear.

“The report concerning the place and circumstances of her death are conflicting and disturbing,” the statement said.

SKLF argued that, in line with constitutional provisions and established legal and medical procedures, law enforcement agencies should investigate every aspect of the case to determine the actual cause of death.

The lawyers also listed several questions they said investigators should answer, including the circumstances that led to Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, when she died, when her death was reported, who was present in the house at the time of the incident, and whether reports that she died on June 27 but the news became public on July 10 were accurate.

“The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death must be fully unravelled and made public upon a conduct of valid autopsy and/or coroner inquest,” the statement added.

The forum further urged all persons with relevant information to cooperate with investigators, stressing that due process must be followed throughout the investigation.

It also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation and respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family while investigations continue.

“We call on the media, public, and all stakeholders to be circumspect, avoid speculation, and respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of the grieving family as investigations proceed,” the lawyers said.

SKLF said it was prepared to monitor developments and provide legal support where necessary to ensure justice is served and seen to be served.

The forum added that it was considering initiating legal proceedings if necessary, insisting that the sanctity of human life must be protected under the Constitution and that authorities should act swiftly to clarify the circumstances surrounding the health worker’s death.

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