ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Southern Kaduna-based youth group has petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, calling for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila.
Habila died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
The Southern Kaduna Youth Movement (SKYM), in a petition signed by its National President, Suleiman Haruna, urged the National Assembly to facilitate a transparent and impartial probe into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, saying public confidence could only be restored through an independent investigation.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, UN Women, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, among other local and international organisations.
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The group described the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death as disturbing and urged investigators to thoroughly examine every aspect of the case.
It also called for the constitution of an independent investigative panel with international observers, a comprehensive forensic autopsy, adequate protection for witnesses and the prosecution of anyone found culpable if criminal wrongdoing is established.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Nigeria and the global community deserve accountability from public officials, especially those occupying positions of trust,” the petition stated.
The latest demand adds to growing calls for an independent investigation into Habila’s death, which has continued to generate national attention, according to Vanguard.
Minister of Works David Umahi has, however, denied any wrongdoing, expressed support for a forensic autopsy to establish the cause of death and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.