Human rights activist Agena R. Ande has called for a full criminal investigation, an independent autopsy and a coroner's inquest into the death of Mary Habila, who was found dead in the house of Minister of Works, David Umahi, insisting that public explanations offered so far cannot replace a lawful investigation.
In a statement titled, "A Press Conference of Excuses Is an Insult to the Dead – Justice Must Not Be Buried With the Body," made available to SaharaReporters on Saturday, Ande argued that the circumstances surrounding the Habila's death require a transparent forensic investigation before any burial takes place.
According to him, the handling of the case has raised concerns about whether influential public officials are treated differently under the law.
"A woman is dead. Not in an accident. Not on a battlefield. She was found dead in another man's house. And the only response we have received so far is a press conference. A performance. A carefully packaged set of excuses.
"That is not justice. That is mockery. And Nigerians must reject it," the statement read.
