The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Association (SOKAPU) has filed a case at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the death of nurse Mary Habila, who died while serving on the minister’s medical team.
Habila reportedly died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence. Since then, the incident has drawn public attention, with many demanding a full investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Also listed as respondents in the suit are Habila Tanko Wisdom, the deceased’s father, the Attorney-General of Ebonyi State, and the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police.
SOKAPU is asking the court to order an autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death. The group is also seeking N20 billion in damages from the minister over the alleged loss of life, claiming there was a breach of duty of care while she was in his custody.
The lawsuit comes after the Ebonyi State Police Command insisted that an autopsy would go ahead despite reported objections from some members of Habila’s family.
Umahi had earlier written to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, asking that an autopsy be carried out to help establish the circumstances surrounding the nurse’s death.
The case is expected to examine issues of duty of care, accountability, and the process of determining the cause of death through legal and investigative channels.
As of the time this report was filed, no hearing date had been fixed.
