The Allied People’s Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and order an independent investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the opposition party said an independent inquiry was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death and reassure Nigerians of the government’s commitment to accountability.
Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, died on June 27 in accommodation associated with the minister in Ebonyi State.
Umahi has supported a forensic autopsy, while his lawyers asked the Ebonyi State Police Command to ensure a comprehensive post-mortem examination before the body is released for burial. They also stated that Habila was staying in accommodation reserved for staff members and associates, not the minister’s personal residence, and called for a transparent investigation.
Meanwhile, Habila’s family has approached an Ebonyi State High Court seeking to stop a police-requested autopsy, saying they do not suspect foul play. Police investigations are, however, ongoing.
