By: Southern Kaduna Is Awake
Sign: Nasiru Jagaba
The death of Mary Habila at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is a matter that should shake the conscience of every Nigerian who still believes in justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human life.
A young woman left her home alive and arrived at the residence of one of the most powerful public officials in the country. Within hours, she was dead.
That simple fact alone demands answers.
Yet, instead of clarity, Nigerians are being confronted with conflicting narratives, unanswered questions, and growing concerns about possible attempts to close the matter before the truth is fully uncovered. Reports that police investigators have rejected efforts to release the body for burial and are insisting on an autopsy indicate that there are serious issues that remain unresolved.
This is precisely why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must immediately direct an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death.
This is not about politics.
This is not about party affiliation.
This is not about ethnicity or religion.
This is about justice.
When an ordinary citizen dies under suspicious circumstances in the residence of a serving minister of the Federal Republic, the burden of accountability becomes even greater. Public office should never become a shield against scrutiny. The higher the office, the higher the responsibility to submit to investigation.
Several troubling questions remain unanswered.
Why was Mary Habila at the minister’s residence?
Who invited her there?
Under what official arrangement was she present?
Who was responsible for her welfare and safety while she was there?
What exactly happened between the time she arrived and the moment she was allegedly found unresponsive?
Why are investigators reportedly disputing certain claims already made about her status and presence at the residence?
Until these questions are answered through a credible investigation, public suspicion will continue to grow.
The insistence by investigators on conducting an autopsy is not only justified, it is absolutely necessary.
An autopsy is not an attack on anyone’s reputation. It is a scientific tool for discovering the truth. It protects both the deceased and those who may be wrongly accused. Any attempt to discourage, obstruct, or bypass such a process would be a grave injustice to Mary Habila and a disservice to the Nigerian justice system.
The other woman who reportedly travelled with Mary Habila must be thoroughly questioned. Every detail of her movements, communications, and knowledge of the events preceding the death must be carefully examined.
Likewise, the police officer reportedly linked to bringing the women to the residence must be subjected to rigorous investigation. His role, instructions, actions, and knowledge of the circumstances must be fully established.
No one should be presumed guilty.
But no one should be placed above investigation.
The Nigerian Police Force must resist any pressure from powerful interests. Investigators must follow the evidence wherever it leads. They must speak for the dead, because Mary Habila can no longer speak for herself.
Equally disturbing are reports suggesting that members of the deceased’s family may be facing pressure regarding the demand for an autopsy. If true, such actions would represent a direct assault on the pursuit of justice and must themselves become subjects of investigation.
The people of Southern Kaduna are watching.
Mary Habila was not just a name in a news headline. She was someone’s daughter. Someone’s sister. Someone’s friend. Someone’s hope for tomorrow.
Her death has reopened painful memories of a country where too many poor and powerless citizens disappear into statistics while the powerful move on without accountability.
That must not happen this time.
The Federal Government must demonstrate that every Nigerian life matters equally, whether rich or poor, connected or ordinary.
President Tinubu has an opportunity to reassure Nigerians that justice remains alive in our democracy. He must order a transparent investigation, guarantee witness protection where necessary, ensure a professional autopsy is conducted, and make the findings available to the public.
The truth should not fear investigation.
The innocent should not fear the truth.
And justice should never bow before power.
Until every question surrounding Mary Habila’s death is answered, Southern Kaduna will continue to demand justice.
Nigeria will continue to demand justice.
And the conscience of our nation will continue to ask:
What really happened to Mary Habila?
