The Kaduna Women Justice Alliance has petitioned the Country Representative of UN Women Nigeria, requesting an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist, who reportedly died under controversial circumstances at the private residence of Senator David Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The petition, signed by the President of the organisation, Mrs. Zainab Hadiza Liman, urged the appropriate authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in line with the evidence.
Beyond the incident, the group also called for a wider probe into other allegations associated with Senator Umahi. These include previous claims of sexual misconduct, the unresolved disappearance of five engineers linked to the Abakaliki–Effium Ring Road project, and the deaths of some former government officials during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.
According to the petition, an independent investigative panel should be constituted, comprising representatives of the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), forensic experts and civil society organisations. The alliance also advocated witness protection measures, transparency throughout the investigative process and support for the families of the deceased.
The petition was copied to several key Nigerian institutions, including the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Police Service Commission. It was also forwarded to international organisations such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the European Union, ECOWAS and a number of foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria.
The petitioners stressed that no public office holder should be above the law and appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure a fair, impartial and timely investigation into the matter.
