Advocacy for Investigative Transparency

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has formally requested clarification from the Nigeria Police Force regarding key aspects of the investigation into the death of Miss Mary Habila. The incident has drawn significant public interest due to its occurrence within premises associated with the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

In a statement signed by Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma and dated July 19, 2026, the organization emphasized that the request aims to promote professionalism and public confidence. RULAAC noted that while Senator Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and called for a forensic autopsy, the gravity of the situation requires a clear accounting of the investigative steps taken thus far.

RULAAC recognises that the circumstances surrounding Miss Habila's death have generated significant public concern because the incident reportedly occurred within premises associated with the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

— Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

Specific Inquiries into Forensic Procedures

The organization is seeking detailed information regarding the timeline of events surrounding the death, the movements of individuals within the residence during the period in question, and the preservation of the scene. RULAAC raised specific questions based on reports that have reached the organization, though it noted it has not independently verified these claims.

Key points of clarification requested by RULAAC include: - Whether investigators established a verified timeline of movements within the residence. - Reports concerning Senator Umahi’s presence on the night of the incident and his departure the following morning. - Whether the Minister contacted the Director of Medical Services of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital to evacuate the body and if that request was initially declined pending police documentation. - The specific measures taken to secure the scene and collect forensic evidence immediately following the discovery.

Our intervention should not be construed as attributing criminal responsibility to any individual. Rather, it seeks to ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, accountability, equality before the law and internationally accepted standards for investigating suspicious deaths.

— Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

Context of Public Concern and Accountability

RULAAC’s intervention also referenced previous unresolved incidents in Ebonyi State to underscore the necessity of a thorough probe. These include the 2021 death of the former Commissioner for Infrastructure and Development, Engineer Fidelis Nweze, and the disappearance of five engineers. The organization noted that the current investigation must be impartial and evidence-based to avoid the pitfalls of past cases.

The group urged the Nigeria Police Force to keep the public informed of its progress, stressing that no individual should be insulated from lawful investigation regardless of their office or influence. They maintained that the pursuit of truth is essential for strengthening the administration of justice in Nigeria.

Justice requires both accountability and fairness. No person should be convicted in the court of public opinion, just as no person, regardless of office or influence, should be insulated from lawful investigation.

— Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

The death of a young Nigerian under circumstances that remain unclear deserves nothing less than a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation capable of establishing the truth, delivering justice where appropriate, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.

— Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre