Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has disclosed that the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General have reportedly indicated a willingness to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Sowore described the reported move as “a step in the right direction,” but cautioned that the credibility of any investigation would depend on how it is conducted.
“The Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice/Attorney General’s Office has reportedly indicated that the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death may be investigated. That is a step in the right direction, although the credibility and independence of any investigation will ultimately be judged by its actions, not its promises. Don’t be quick to trust them,” he wrote.
Sowore also revealed that Habila’s body had reportedly not been released to her family for burial.
“We have also learned that Mary Habila’s body has reportedly not yet been released for burial,” he added.
In an earlier statement posted on Wednesday, Sowore called for a coroner’s inquest into Habila’s death, which he alleged occurred at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear and warrant a comprehensive investigation before any burial takes place.
“There MUST be a coroner’s inquest into the death of Mary Habila at the residence of Tinubu’s Minister of Works, David Umahi,” Sowore stated.
He argued that, given what he described as the “mysterious manner” of Habila’s death and unanswered questions about why she was at the minister’s residence, all legal and forensic procedures, including an autopsy where necessary, should be concluded before her remains are released for burial.
“Given the mysterious manner of her death and unanswered questions about the circumstances of her presence at the Minister’s home, it is in the interest of justice that all appropriate investigative and forensic procedures, including, where required by law, an autopsy and any other relevant inquiries, be completed before Mary Habila is buried,” he said.
Sowore further urged Habila’s family not to proceed with what he described as a hurried burial, alleging that she died with blood flowing from her mouth, which, in his view, suggested an unnatural death.
He also referenced previous allegations concerning other unresolved deaths allegedly linked to the minister’s circle, including the disappearance and deaths of five NELAN engineers, which he said remain unsolved. #Securitynewsalert.com
