The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) have backed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in his call for an autopsy to determine the cause of the death of Mary Habila, a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUMS), Uburu. The student bodies also demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to a report by The Guardian, the two student organisations described Umahi’s request for an autopsy as a demonstration of his commitment to ensuring justice. In a joint statement signed by NANS Senate President, Ibeabuchi Onyia, and NAUS President, Meshach Nwankwo, they expressed condolences to Habila’s family, the minister and others affected by the tragedy.
The associations said available reports showed that Umahi had consistently insisted on establishing the true cause of Habila’s death through a post mortem examination.
“We commend the Minister of Works for taking proactive steps to ensure that justice is served and for calling for an autopsy to ascertain the actual cause of Miss Mary Habila’s death,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has also insisted that an autopsy should be conducted, describing it as necessary to establish the true cause of death due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The case has continued to attract widespread public attention, with both the minister and the police maintaining that a post mortem examination is essential to determine what led to Habila’s death.
However, Habila’s family has obtained a court affidavit rejecting an autopsy, insisting that her body should remain intact in line with their wishes.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, the command maintained that conducting the examination remains necessary in the interest of justice.
In a related development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Umahi pending the outcome of investigations into the death of the 26 year old physiotherapist.
HURIWA, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the temporary suspension would ensure an independent, transparent and credible investigation, while stressing that the demand should not be interpreted as an allegation of guilt against the minister.
Similarly, the APM called for Umahi’s immediate suspension, arguing that allowing him to remain in office while the matter remains unresolved could undermine public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.
Responding to the allegations, Umahi denied any involvement in Habila’s death and reiterated his demand for an autopsy, saying the examination was necessary to clear his name despite the objections raised by the deceased’s family.
Speaking during a press briefing, the minister insisted that anyone accusing him of having a hand in the death of a woman he described as his daughter would face the wrath of God.
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