The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on Nigerians to remain calm and allow security agencies to complete investigations into the death of Mary Habila, a member of the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The group also rejected calls from some quarters for Umahi to resign or step aside over the incident, describing such demands as premature and lacking justification while investigations are still ongoing.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of its President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, Ohanaeze expressed sadness over Habila’s death and extended condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
The organisation described the death of the young medical worker as a painful tragedy and urged Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion and respect rather than speculation.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and loved ones over this painful and irreparable loss,” the statement said.
“The death of such a young and promising Nigerian is a tragedy to all men and women of good conscience. We pray that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and gives her family the strength and fortitude to bear this heartbreaking loss.”
Ohanaeze stressed that the loss of a human life should not be turned into a political issue or used to score political points.
According to the group, every suspicious or unexplained death deserves a thorough, transparent and professional investigation that is guided by evidence rather than public emotions or political interests.
It urged Nigerians to avoid comments capable of influencing the ongoing investigation or creating unnecessary tension.
“We urge Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion. They should desist from comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.
“This unfortunate incident involves the loss of a human life and, as such, deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and compassion.
“It is therefore imperative that all Nigerians exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or causing unnecessary public anxiety.”
The organisation also cautioned politicians, pressure groups and public commentators against exploiting the tragedy for political or sectional interests.
According to Ohanaeze, using such incidents to pursue political objectives neither advances justice nor honours the memory of the deceased.
The group noted that Senator Umahi had already requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy and a full investigation to determine the actual cause and circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
It described the minister’s decision as the appropriate response, saying it demonstrated a willingness to allow the truth to emerge through lawful and scientific means.
Ohanaeze said it has confidence in the relevant security and investigative agencies handling the matter and expressed hope that the investigation would be carried out professionally, fairly and without external interference.
“The outcome of such investigation should be guided solely by facts, scientific evidence and due process,” the organisation stated.
The group maintained that until investigators conclude their work, no one should be held responsible for the incident without credible evidence.
Responding specifically to calls for Umahi’s resignation or temporary withdrawal from office, Ohanaeze said such demands were not supported by the facts currently available.
It argued that the mere occurrence of a death in a residence or location associated with a public official does not automatically establish guilt or negligence.
“In the same vein, we consider the calls in some quarters for the resignation or stepping aside of the Honourable Minister of Works to be premature, unnecessary and without sufficient justification at this stage,” the statement said.
“The mere fact that a death occurred within the premises where an individual resides or is present does not, in itself, establish culpability or warrant demands for resignation.
“Such an unfortunate occurrence could happen in any person’s home or environment, and responsibility can only be determined through a credible investigation based on evidence.”
The organisation further reminded Nigerians that the country’s justice system is built on the constitutional principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
It warned against trial by media, saying public pressure should not replace due process or influence investigators.
According to Ohanaeze, allowing investigators to work independently is the only way to ensure that justice is done and that the outcome of the investigation enjoys public confidence.
The organisation therefore appealed to Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified claims or speculative narratives that could undermine the integrity of the investigation.
It said responsible public conduct would help preserve confidence in the country’s justice system while ensuring that the family of the deceased receives the truth they deserve.
The death of Mary Habila has generated widespread public attention in recent days, with questions being raised about the circumstances surrounding the incident because of her official role within the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works.
The incident has also sparked reactions from political groups, civil society organisations and members of the public, with some calling for greater transparency in the investigation and others demanding accountability once the facts are established.
In Nigeria, deaths occurring under unclear or suspicious circumstances are usually investigated by security agencies, while forensic autopsies are often conducted to establish the medical cause of death where necessary. The findings from such investigations may determine whether criminal charges or other legal actions are warranted.
Ohanaeze said it believes the truth surrounding Habila’s death will emerge through the ongoing investigation and expressed hope that justice will ultimately be served in accordance with the law.
The organisation concluded by reaffirming its sympathy for Habila’s family and loved ones, praying that they find strength during the difficult period while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
It also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, respect the rule of law and allow the investigative process to run its full course without interference or undue pressure.