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….demands thorough investigation
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The death of Miss Mary Habila has been taken before the National Assembly, with a rights advocacy group petitioning the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions to order an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
The petition, submitted by the Access to Justice and Human Rights Initiative and signed by its Founder, Yusuf Aliyu Maigari, urged lawmakers to ensure that relevant authorities conduct a professional, evidence-based investigation into the case.
The group alleged that Habila died in the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State, a development it said had generated widespread public concern and heightened calls for accountability.
According to the petition, the request is not intended to indict any individual but to ensure that the facts are established through lawful investigative and judicial processes. “Hence, we respectfully request that every credible lead be investigated thoroughly and impartially,” the petition stated.
The organisation called on investigators to launch a comprehensive criminal investigation, secure and preserve all forensic, documentary, digital and electronic evidence, and obtain statements from everyone with material information relevant to the case.
It also demanded independent forensic and medical examinations where necessary, protection of witnesses from intimidation or harassment, and assurance that no individual receives preferential treatment on account of political office, wealth or influence.
The rights group further urged investigators to make the outcome of the investigation public in line with applicable laws and prosecute anyone against whom sufficient admissible evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
It also requested that reports circulating in the public domain concerning the deceased’s employment, movements and relationship with any individual be verified through documentary evidence rather than speculation.
Describing the case as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, the group said the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations require a transparent and credible investigation.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. A transparent investigation is essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice,” the petition added.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, the Police Service Commission, UN Women Nigeria, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and several other international human rights organisations and diplomatic missions.
