The Southern Kaduna Professionals Forum (SKPF) 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 nurse, Mary Habila, at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group stressed that the suspension was not an assumption of guilt but a necessary measure to preserve the credibility and independence of the inquiry. “This is not a declaration of guilt but a constitutional and ethical step to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process,” the forum said, through its President, Arc. Samuel H. Yakubu, and Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Israel Bulus.
Describing the circumstances surrounding Ms Habila’s death as “tragic, disturbing and suspicious,” the SKPF maintained that the incident had become a matter of public interest warranting a transparent, thorough and impartial forensic investigation. The group expressed particular concern over unconfirmed reports that the deceased was found with blood flowing from her mouth, underscoring the need for a full autopsy and preservation of all evidence.
The forum warned against any rush to bury the deceased before an independent post-mortem and other forensic procedures were completed, insisting that every lawful avenue must be exhausted to establish the exact cause and manner of death.
Paying tribute to the late nurse as “a national asset,” the SKPF said her loss was not only a grievous blow to her family but also to Nigeria’s healthcare sector. “Mary Habila was a trained professional dedicated to saving lives. Her death must not be swept under the rug,” the statement added.
The group urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to conduct a painstaking, impartial and comprehensive probe, without fear or favour. It called for all persons connected to the incident to be questioned, evidence preserved, forensic experts engaged, and findings made public.
The SKPF also appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, civil society, human rights groups, faith-based organisations, and the media to sustain pressure for justice. It specifically tasked Southern Kaduna lawyers to lead the charge, urging them to form a legal team to monitor the investigation, support the bereaved family and ensure that no one frustrates the course of justice.
The forum further disclosed that it had issued a three-day ultimatum to Senator Umahi to publicly explain the circumstances of Ms Habila’s death. It vowed to monitor developments until the truth was established, asserting that justice for the deceased would reinforce public confidence in the justice system and demonstrate that no individual stands above the law.