The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, and called for an independent forensic autopsy into the death of Mary Habila, whose body was reportedly discovered within the premises of the minister’s official residence.
In a statement on Thursday jointly signed by National President Comrades ‘Yinka Folarin and National Publicity Secretary Adewunmi Adesina, CDHR described the death as deeply troubling.
It noted that it has generated widespread national concern stressing, “Where such a death occurs within the residence of a serving public office holder, the State bears an even greater responsibility to ensure that justice is pursued without fear or favour.”
CDHR insisted the matter has moved beyond a private family affair. “This matter has transcended the private interests of the family. It has become a matter of immense public interest involving the administration of criminal justice, public accountability and the constitutional duty of the State to protect the right to life,” it said.
The group called on Umahi to step down to allow an unimpeded investigation. “Public office must never become a shield against criminal investigation or accountability.
“His continued occupation of such a sensitive public office while investigations are ongoing is capable of undermining public confidence in the fairness and independence of the investigative process,” CDHR said, adding that it expects “the immediate arrest and prosecution of Prof. David Umahi and every other person found to have participated in, facilitated or concealed any criminal offence connected with the death of Mary Habila,” should investigations establish criminal liability.
CDHR also raised concern over reports that the deceased’s family may oppose a forensic autopsy. While acknowledging their grief, it said “neither the father of the deceased, nor any family member, traditional ruler, religious leader or politically influential individual possesses any legal authority to halt, obstruct or prevent the investigation or prosecution of an alleged criminal offence.”
The group outlined key demands, including Umahi’s resignation, a transparent criminal investigation free from political interference, an urgent independent autopsy, preservation of all evidence, protection for witnesses, and prosecution of anyone found criminally responsible.
CDHR issued a direct challenge to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it must prove its commitment to the rule of law “through concrete action, not mere rhetoric.”
It warned that shielding a suspect due to political office “would amount to a grave violation of constitutional governance and a dangerous assault on the principle of equality before the law.”
The organisation also called on international bodies, including the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, to monitor the case and stand in solidarity with Nigerians demanding accountability.
CDHR insisted the case must not be swept aside. “The office occupied by any individual does not place such a person above the Constitution or beyond the reach of the law,” it said, warning that any delay in justice “would not only dishonour the memory of Mary Habila but would also seriously undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.”
(The Whistler)