Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a staff member who died at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Atiku made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, expressing concern over the handling of the matter and demanding what he described as a transparent and independent investigation.
Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna, died on June 27, 2026, at a building within Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Atiku extended condolences to the family of the deceased, but said sympathy alone was not enough without establishing the circumstances surrounding her death.
“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,” he said.
The former vice-president questioned the delay in the investigation, alleging that no autopsy had been conducted and that the process remained within Ebonyi State, where Umahi previously served as governor.
He said the situation required urgent action from the Federal Government to assure Nigerians that the matter would be handled independently.
Atiku stressed that he was not making any judgment on the guilt or innocence of any individual, but argued that only a credible investigation could establish 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 said.
He accused the government of failing to provide sufficient reassurance over the matter, adding that the circumstances surrounding the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving minister required a high level of transparency.
Atiku called on President Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily step aside, saying such a move would promote public confidence in 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 said.
He also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts.
The former presidential candidate further demanded that a full and independent autopsy be conducted without delay and that the findings be made public.
He appealed for protection for Habila’s family, saying they should be guaranteed access to information about the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death without pressure or intimidation.
Meanwhile, Umahi had earlier requested that the police conduct an autopsy involving qualified forensic pathologists to determine the cause of Habila’s death. He also asked that her remains not be released until the completion of the autopsy and other investigations.
