ABUJA, Nigeria — The Access to Justice and Human Rights Initiative has petitioned the House of Representatives over the death of Mary Habila, asking lawmakers to secure an independent investigation into how she died at the Ebonyi State residence of Nigeria’s minister of works, David Umahi.
The petition, addressed to the House Committee on Public Petitions, called for an impartial and evidence-based inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death in Uburu.
Yusuf Aliyu Maigari, the founder of the organisation, signed the petition on its behalf.
The group said its request was not an accusation against Umahi or any other individual. It said the purpose of the parliamentary intervention should be to establish the facts through recognised investigative and judicial procedures.
“Hence, we respectfully request that every credible lead be investigated thoroughly and impartially,” the petition stated.
The organisation said the circumstances of Habila’s death had caused public concern and prompted demands for greater transparency from the authorities handling the case.
Group Seeks Preservation of Evidence
The petition asked the House committee to ensure that security agencies conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation and preserve all material that could assist in determining what happened.
The group identified forensic, documentary, digital and electronic evidence among the records that investigators should secure. It also called for statements to be obtained from everyone possessing information relevant to the case.
Where necessary, the organisation said, independent forensic and medical examinations should be conducted as part of the investigation.
It also asked the authorities to protect witnesses from intimidation or harassment and to ensure that no person receives favourable treatment because of political office, wealth or influence.
The petition requested the prosecution of anyone against whom investigators obtain sufficient admissible evidence of criminal responsibility.
It also called for the findings of the investigation to be made public, subject to applicable laws.
Reports About Habila to Be Verified
The organisation urged investigators to verify reports about Habila’s employment, movements and relationships through documents and other evidence.
It said publicly circulating claims should not be accepted or rejected on the basis of speculation.
The group described the handling of the case as a test of Nigeria’s adherence to the rule of law and its constitutional and international human rights obligations.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. A transparent investigation is essential to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice,” the petition added.
Copies were sent to the inspector-general of police, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, the director of public prosecutions of the federation and the Police Service Commission.
The organisation also forwarded the petition to UN Women Nigeria, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other international organisations and diplomatic missions.
The material accompanying the petition did not include a response from the House committee, Umahi or the law-enforcement authorities.
