Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of failing to demonstrate transparency and accountability over the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, describing the government’s handling of the incident as a reflection of poor leadership and a disregard for public trust.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 16, 2026, through his verified social media platforms, Atiku expressed condolences to the family of the deceased but insisted that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mary Habila, a native of Nok in Southern Kaduna, reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Atiku said the prolonged silence by government institutions, the absence of a publicly disclosed autopsy, and the continued investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command had raised concerns about the credibility of the process.
While stressing that he was not declaring anyone guilty, the former vice president maintained that only an independent, transparent and credible investigation could establish the true circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
He criticized what he described as the Federal Government’s inaction, arguing that the death of a citizen in the residence of a serving cabinet minister demanded urgent and open investigation.
The former vice president called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works to step aside pending the outcome of investigations, describing the move as a standard measure of public accountability rather than a declaration of guilt.
Atiku also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts. He further demanded an internationally credible autopsy, with the findings made public, and called for adequate protection for the Habila family against intimidation or undue influence.
The statement concluded that transparency, accountability and respect for the sanctity of human life remain essential tests of responsible governance.
