Mary Habila: Atiku Demands Independent Probe, Wants Umahi to Step Aside

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct Minister of Works David Umahi to step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of Mary Habila, who died at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.

In a statement issued via his Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku said the circumstances surrounding the death of the 26-year-old staff member required an independent and transparent investigation to ensure public confidence.

Habila, a native of Nok in Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, 2026, at a building within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The former vice-president extended his condolences to the deceased’s family but insisted that sympathy must be accompanied by efforts to uncover the truth.

“First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,” Atiku said.

He expressed concern over what he described as delays in the investigation, claiming that no autopsy had been carried out and noting that the probe remained under the Ebonyi State authorities.

Atiku said he was not alleging guilt against any individual but maintained that only a credible investigation could determine the facts.

“Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” he stated.

Calling for greater accountability, Atiku urged President Tinubu to ask Umahi to temporarily step aside during the investigation.

“President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,” he added.

He further called on the Inspector-General of Police to move the investigation to the Force Headquarters, involve independent forensic experts, carry out a full autopsy without delay, release the findings to the public, and guarantee protection and access to information for Habila’s family.

Umahi had earlier directed the police to conduct an autopsy through qualified forensic pathologists to determine the cause of death and requested that Habila’s remains not be released until the autopsy and other investigations are completed.

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