The Kwechiri Unity Forum, a civil society organisation, has filed a lawsuit against Minister of Works David Umahi, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and several others over the death of nurse Mary Habila. The suit, filed on 17 July at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to compel an investigation and a formal autopsy into Ms Habila's death.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to a court document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the CSO's legal team, led by Eziafa Enwedo, named the IGP, Mr Umahi, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Tanko Habila, the late nurse's father, as defendants. The group is asking the court to declare that public authorities have a duty to protect evidence that may aid an investigation into unexplained deaths.
The CSO also requested an interim injunction to prevent the respondents from releasing, burying, interring, cremating, or otherwise disposing of Ms Habila's body until the substantive suit is heard. Additionally, they seek an order for the preservation of all available evidence and compliance with recognised forensic and investigative standards.
Grounds for the Suit
The Kwechiri Unity Forum argued that credible media publications have generated substantial public concern about the incident. They contend that the Nigerian Constitution imposes a positive obligation on the government to protect and ensure effective investigations into suspicious deaths. The group emphasised that the death should be investigated impartially, regardless of the status or office of those involved.
Background of the Case
Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse attached to Mr Umahi, was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on 27 June. She reportedly died under controversial circumstances at the minister's residence in his hometown. Mr Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has denied covering up the death and insisted that the incident was reported to the police for investigation.
In July, the minister called for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death. However, the family opposed the autopsy and fixed a burial date for 17 July. The police insisted on proceeding with the autopsy, with Police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, stating that the command was awaiting the presence of the family or their representative. Mr Ukandu assured that the investigation would be thorough, transparent, and impartial.
Conflicting Narratives
Mr Umahi has denied any involvement in the nurse's death, claiming that her boyfriend confessed she was ill before coming to Ebonyi. He appealed to the family to reconsider their stance against the autopsy, stressing that the post-mortem examination would help establish the actual cause of death amid allegations of foul play. Meanwhile, the family has written to the IGP demanding the immediate release of Ms Habila's body for burial.
The Kwechiri Unity Forum's lawsuit seeks to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially and that all evidence is preserved. The case highlights the tension between the family's wishes and the authorities' insistence on an autopsy to uncover the truth behind the nurse's untimely death.
