Fresh calls have emerged for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old woman who died at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, with human rights activist Agena R. Ande insisting that a transparent forensic investigation must take precedence over official statements or administrative explanations.
In a statement titled “A Press Conference of Excuses Is an Insult to the Dead – Justice Must Not Be Buried With the Body,” Ande called for a full criminal investigation, an independent autopsy, and a coroner’s inquest before Habila’s body is released for burial. He argued that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and impartial inquiry, stressing that every suspicious death should be investigated regardless of the status or political influence of those connected to the case.
The activist also urged investigators to preserve forensic evidence, including DNA samples, toxicology reports, CCTV footage, digital records and witness testimonies. He further called for oversight by the National Human Rights Commission and appealed to independent human rights organisations to monitor the investigation to strengthen transparency and public confidence.
The renewed demands come amid continuing controversy over the case. Earlier reports indicated that the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecutions advised that only a post-mortem examination could establish the cause of Habila’s sudden death, while police have maintained that investigations remain ongoing and that her body should not be released until all necessary forensic procedures have been completed.
The case has intensified public debate over accountability and equal application of the law, particularly where politically exposed persons are involved. Public confidence in the justice system depends not only on investigations being conducted but also on their independence, transparency and freedom from political interference. Ensuring that forensic evidence—not influence, status or public pressure—determines the outcome is essential to upholding the rule of law and guaranteeing that justice is both done and seen to be done.
