SOKAPU Demands Autopsy; N20 billion Damages For Mary Habila Who Died In Minister David Umahi’s Home
The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association, SOKAPU, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the Kaduna High Court over the alleged suspicious death of Mary Habila, who died in his Ebonyi State residence.
The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Association, SOKAPU, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the Kaduna High Court over the alleged suspicious death of Mary Habila, who died in his Ebonyi State residence.
The suit was filed by SOKAPU against Umahi, also a former governor of Ebonyi State, at the court sitting in Kafanchan.
It sought judicial intervention into Habila's "controversial and unnatural death," under questionable circumstances.
The suit was filed by SOKAPU against Umahi, also a former governor of Ebonyi State, at the court sitting in Kafanchan.
It sought judicial intervention into Habila's "controversial and unnatural death," under questionable circumstances.
Also joined as respondents are Mary Habila’s relative, Habila Tanko Wisdom; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ebonyi State; as well as the Police Commissioner, Ebonyi State Police Command.
According to the originating motion, the applicants contended that Habila died on or about June 27, 2026, while allegedly in the custody or care of the Works Minister, at his country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
SOKAPU further noted that the alleged hurry to bury the deceased without an independent medical examination violated her constitutional right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the originating motion, the applicants contended that Habila died on or about June 27, 2026, while allegedly in the custody or care of the Works Minister, at his country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
SOKAPU further noted that the alleged hurry to bury the deceased without an independent medical examination violated her constitutional right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
SOKAPU is also, asking the court to declare that the failure to conduct a prompt, independent, and transparent medical autopsy and police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death amounts to a continuing violation of her fundamental rights.
It therefore sought an order compelling both the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the Police Commissioner, Ebonyi State to ensure that an independent autopsy is carried out on the deceased by a joint team of pathologists from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; University College Hospital, Ibadan; and National Hospital, Abuja.
SOKAPU further prayed the court to direct the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of Habila’s death before her remains are buried, even as it is also
seeking N20 billion in damages against Umahi, over alleged negligence and breach of his duty of care while the deceased was said to be under his custody.
The suit was brought pursuant to Sections 33, 34, 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, and Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the matter.
It therefore sought an order compelling both the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and the Police Commissioner, Ebonyi State to ensure that an independent autopsy is carried out on the deceased by a joint team of pathologists from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; University College Hospital, Ibadan; and National Hospital, Abuja.
SOKAPU further prayed the court to direct the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of Habila’s death before her remains are buried, even as it is also
seeking N20 billion in damages against Umahi, over alleged negligence and breach of his duty of care while the deceased was said to be under his custody.
The suit was brought pursuant to Sections 33, 34, 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, and Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the matter.
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