The Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the death of a professional nurse, Mary Habila, reportedly at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
The forum said the suspension was necessary to guarantee a transparent, credible and independent investigation into the incident, stressing that the demand should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the minister.
In a statement signed by its President, Arc. Samuel H. Yakubu, and made available to journalists through its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Israel Bulus, the group described the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death as “tragic, disturbing and suspicious.”
It stated that the incident had become a matter of significant public interest requiring a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
The statement read, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, of his official responsibilities pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a declaration of guilt but a necessary constitutional and ethical step to safeguard the integrity, credibility and independence of the investigative process.”
The forum maintained that no public office holder, regardless of status or influence, should be exempt from scrutiny when a Nigerian dies under circumstances requiring investigation.
It also raised concerns over reports alleging that the deceased was found with blood flowing from her mouth, noting that although the claims had not been officially confirmed, they reinforced the need for a detailed forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
The group warned against any attempt to bury Habila before the completion of an independent autopsy and other forensic procedures, insisting that every lawful investigative process must be exhausted to preserve evidence.
Describing the late nurse as “a national asset”, the forum said her death was a painful loss not only to her family but also to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“Mary Habila was a trained professional nurse dedicated to saving lives. Her death is a loss to the nation, and the circumstances surrounding it must not be swept under the rug,” the statement added.
The forum urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to conduct what it described as a painstaking, impartial and comprehensive investigation without fear or favour.
It further called for all persons connected with the incident to be questioned, relevant evidence preserved, forensic experts engaged where necessary and the outcome of the investigation made public.
The group also appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and the media to sustain pressure for justice.
It specifically urged Southern Kaduna lawyers to constitute a legal team to monitor the investigation, support the bereaved family and ensure that justice was not obstructed.
The forum disclosed that it had given Umahi a three-day ultimatum to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, adding that it would continue to monitor developments until the truth was established.
Meanwhile, Umahi has denied allegations that the nurse’s death was shrouded in secrecy.
Speaking during an inspection of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway on Sunday, the minister said Habila’s family forced open her room after becoming concerned, took her to hospital with doctors from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, but efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful.
“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from DUFUTH, who took her to hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed. The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?” Umahi said.
He added that the matter was promptly reported to the police and that he had directed that an autopsy be conducted with the consent of the deceased’s parents to establish the cause of death.