By Jonathan Lois
The Transparency and Accountability Development Initiative (TADI) has cautioned against what it described as an escalating media trial over the reported death of Mary Habila, urging Nigerians to allow law enforcement agencies to conclude their investigations before drawing conclusions.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Yomi David, and Director of Programmes, Tijani Usman Shehu, the organisation expressed concern over growing speculation and sensational reporting linking the deceased to the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
TADI maintained that while the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death deserved a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, it was dangerous and irresponsible for individuals and media organisations to present allegations as established facts before the conclusion of official investigations.
The group stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy is founded on the principle that every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, warning that this principle was being undermined by the increasing trend of media trials.
According to the organisation, convicting individuals in the court of public opinion not only threatens their constitutional rights but could also compromise ongoing investigations, influence witnesses and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
It called on media organisations, commentators, political actors and social media influencers to exercise restraint and uphold professional standards by relying on verified facts and credible evidence rather than speculation or sensationalism.
TADI also urged relevant law enforcement and investigative agencies to conduct a comprehensive, independent and timely investigation into the reported death, insisting that the outcome should be determined solely by evidence, forensic findings, witness testimony and the law.
The organisation said its intervention should not be interpreted as a defence of any individual but rather as a defence of due process and the rule of law.
“We are not defending wrongdoing because none has been established since investigations are still ongoing. We are defending the constitutional principle of due process and the rights guaranteed to every Nigerian,” the statement said.
The group added that anyone found culpable after a lawful investigation should face the full weight of the law, while those found to have spread false or malicious allegations should also be held accountable.
TADI also criticised a lawsuit reportedly filed by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), describing it as premature, unnecessary and potentially an act of blackmail.
It argued that investigations were still ongoing, the autopsy report had not been made public, no offence had been established by the authorities, and the deceased’s family had not publicly lodged any complaint.
The organisation questioned the legal and moral basis of what it described as a multibillion-naira suit under such circumstances.
Furthermore, TADI warned that while freedom of expression and press freedom are protected under the Constitution, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
It cautioned that the continued publication or dissemination of false, malicious, defamatory or unsubstantiated allegations presented as facts could expose those responsible to legal consequences.
The group therefore urged all stakeholders to refrain from prejudicial commentary and allow investigators to complete their work without interference.
“Our democracy cannot thrive where public sentiment replaces evidence or where media narratives become substitutes for criminal investigations. Justice demands patience, professionalism and respect for legal processes,” the statement added.
TADI called on Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigative authorities to establish the facts, insisting that the country deserves “truth, not rumours; evidence, not speculation; justice, not media verdicts.”
