Mary Habila’s Death: Activist Petitions IGP, Demands Probe

A Kogi-born political activist and public commentator,  Usman Okai Austin, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, demanding what he described as an immediate, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.

In the petition on Saturday and made available to journalists, Austin urged the IGP to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death were thoroughly investigated, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.

According to him, Habila reportedly died under controversial circumstances at a residence linked to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, a development that has generated widespread public concern and demands for accountability.

Austin argued that ministers do not enjoy constitutional immunity and should therefore be subjected to investigation where questions arise over matters of public interest.

He said “no one is above the law, regardless of status or office,” adding that “the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death require a thorough, transparent and independent investigation.”

The activist urged the Nigeria Police Force to carry out an independent investigation and make its findings public to strengthen confidence in the criminal justice system.

He also appealed to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to speak on the matter, saying her intervention would reinforce efforts to protect women and ensure justice.

Austin further called on civil society organisations to demand accountability, while urging Habila’s family to resist any pressure or inducement that could compromise the pursuit of justice.

The petition comes amid growing controversy surrounding Habila’s death. Her family had separately petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja and release her body for burial.

The Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that investigations are ongoing and that a forensic autopsy is necessary to determine the cause of death.

A rights advocacy group, the Advocacy for the Empowerment of Nigerian Women and Children (AENWC), has called on Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as investigations continue into the tragic death of Miss Mary Habila.

The group warned against prejudging the outcome of the probe or demanding sanctions against individuals before the facts are established.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Coordinator, Hajiya Salmat Abdullahi, the organisation expressed concern over the growing public reactions surrounding the incident, describing the death of the young woman as tragic and deserving of a thorough, transparent and professional investigation.