The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) an umbrella body of legal practitioners in the Southern part of the Kaduna State North West Region of Nigeria has called for a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the mysterious death of Miss Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State South Eastern region of the country on 27th June, 2026.
The legal practitioners in a press statement signed by Dr. Solomon Musa, Chairman and Solomon G. Yohanna, Esq., Publicity Secretary, said the body received the news “with deep shock and profound sadness.”
Credit: Cmr James Agbaeze.
According to the leaders, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Tanko Habila Wisdom’s family, friends, and all sympathizers. No family should have to bury a daughter under such mysterious and suspicious circumstances,” the statement read.
Circumstances surrounding Mary’s death demand clarity
The lawyers noted that while death is inevitable, the circumstances surrounding Mary’s death “at such a prime age raises the spectre, need and demand for clarity, legal and acceptable answers” adding that reports about the place and circumstances of her death remain “conflicting and disturbing.”
They demanded for a Transparent Investigation while citing Sections 14(2)(b) and Chapter IV, particularly Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), SKLF said international and domestic standards demand proper investigation to determine the actual cause of death.
“The SKLF demands an immediate, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation by the relevant law enforcement and security agencies. The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death must be fully unraveled and made public upon a conduct of valid autopsy and/or coroner inquest,” the Forum stated.
They warned against a hasty burial thus, “Any attempt to quickly carry out the funeral of the deceased should be aborted and refrained, as that may further precipitate suspicion and mistrust by the populace on the circumstances of the deceased demise.”
The Forum listed key questions that must be answered to unravels the truth saying, “What were the circumstances leading to her being in the house of Engr. David Umahi?, When did she die and when was her death reported?, What is the state of the body of Mary at the point of death, Who were the persons in the house of Engr. Umahi on the day Mary died?
“Where was Engr. David Umahi on the date of Mary’s death?, Is it true that Mary died on 27th June, 2026 but the news of her death was first released to the public on 10th July, 2026?, Was Mary a nurse or physiotherapist?, When did Mary travel to Ebonyi State?, When was Mary employed and what are the circumstances, if any for her being seconded to Engr. Umahi’s house?,” it reads.
Father’s Account
In a court affidavit document obtained by Advocatus Africa, the deceased father is said to have obtained a withdrawal case affidavit over the death of his daughter, which he earlier sought an autopsy of the remains of his daughter accusing the Nigerian Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi of more explanation on the sudden death of his daughter.
The late Mary and her fatehr, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom. Credit: Victor Kaycee Onyendi.
The Affidavit document titled; “IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE OF EBONYI STATE. AFFIDAVIT OF WITHDRAWAL OF CASE.
“I, Mr. Tanko Habila Wisdom, male, adult, a Nigerian citizen of Sabon Gari Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, do hereby make oath and state as follows: ‘That I am the deponent to this affidavit by virtue of which position I am conversant with the facts herein deposed. That late MARY HABILA was my daughter. That the said MARY HABILA, now deceased, died on the 27th day of June, 2026, at Uburu.Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
“That before her death, she was a staff of David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, and was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works. Mabushi, Abuja, FCT. office of the Honourable Minister of Works for about three (3) years before her death.
“That l am aware that my late daughter served as a Personal Nurse to the Honourable Minister of Works and Minister’s immediate staff with whom she resided at Minister’s Guest House in Abuja and in Ebonyi State at Minister’s State Quarters.
“That following her death, the Honourable Minister of Works requested that an autopsy be conducted to ascertain the cause of her death. That while I welcome steps being taken to unravel the cause of my daughter’s death, my family and I will not accept any autopsy on my daughter’s body.
“That it is my family’s wish and humble appeal against medical and investigation protocols to leave her body and organs intact, hence this affidavit. That I also wish not to proceed further wth the investigation and further request to have my daughter’s body released to me for burial.
“That I will not honour subsequent invitation either to the Police or Court in respect of this case as my family is not suspecting any foul play,” the court document carrying the seal of the Registry of the Ebonyi State High Court dated 13 July, 2026,” stated.
The Affidavit further reiterated the position of the father of late Mary Habila that, “while reiterating on our request for the Nigerian Police to release my daughter’s corpse for burial, I wish to state that I was never induced, coerced or influenced in any way with anything or by anybody to make these depositions, as everything deposed here reflects the sincere wishes of my family and I.
“That this affidavit is now needed for official and record purposes. That I depose to this affidavit in good faith, believing its contents to be true and correct in accordance with the provisions of the Oaths Act 2004
“DEPONENT: SWORN TO AT THE HIGH COURT REGISTRY, ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE. DATED 43, DAY OF JULY. 2026 BEFORE ME: ENONYI STATE COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS AZAEALIKE,” the document read.
Rule of Law and Respect for the family
However, the Southern Kaduna Layers Forum have insisted on accountability regardless of the position of the Federal Minister, noting that; “No person, regardless of status, position, or affiliation, is above the law.”
It urged all persons with relevant information to cooperate with investigators and demanded that the report of all investigations be made public.
The Forum also appealed for restraint, “We call on the media, public, and all stakeholders to be circumspect, avoid speculation, and respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of the grieving family as investigations proceed.”
SKLF said it stands ready to provide legal services and monitor proceedings to ensure justice for the family, noting that, “Justice must not only be done, but be seen to be done”
They reiterated, “As lawyers and ministers in the temple of justice, we reiterate that the sanctity of human life is non-negotiable as encapsulated under section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The statement noted that “The law must take its course without fear or favour,” noting that the Forum is “considering initiating legal proceedings as a resort to attainment of justice and equity in the scandalous matter.”
While praying for the soul of Miss Mary Habila to rest in peace with God Almighty, the lawyers expressed hope that authorities will act “with due diligence and swiftly to bring clarity to this matter and ensure that justice is served in order to assuage the public outcry for transparency in the investigation of circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased health practitioner.”
