Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is calling for calm as investigations continue into the death of Mary Habila, described by reports as a member of the medical support team attached to Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. In statements published by multiple outlets, the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation backs security agencies to carry out a thorough probe and urges the public to avoid comments that could prejudice the process.
Ohanaeze also rejects calls from some quarters for Umahi to resign or step aside. The group says such demands are premature and not supported by sufficient justification at this stage, emphasizing the need for findings to be based on facts, scientific evidence and due process. It references the principle of presumption of innocence under Nigeria’s legal system and notes that the occurrence of a death on someone’s premises does not, by itself, prove culpability.
The organisation expresses condolences to Habila’s family, friends and colleagues, and calls on parties not to use the tragedy for political or sectional gains. It also points to Umahi’s stated support for a comprehensive forensic autopsy and investigation into the cause and circumstances of her death.
