ASABA: The death of Mary Habila has become more than another tragic headline. It has become a test of Nigeria’s institutions, our commitment to the rule of law, and our collective ability to distinguish between public accountability and public hysteria.
At the heart of the controversy lies one indisputable fact: a young Nigerian woman lost her life under circumstances that remain unexplained. That alone justifies public concern.
What must not happen, however, is for the search for truth to be replaced either by political persecution or political protection.
The unfortunate reality of Nigerian public discourse is that almost every national controversy is immediately swallowed by partisan interests. Before investigators have completed their work, social media has already conducted a trial. Some have pronounced Senator David Umahi guilty simply because the incident occurred at his residence. Others have dismissed every question because he is a serving Minister and a prominent political figure.
Neither position serves justice.
The law is founded upon two principles that must coexist. The first is the presumption of innocence. Every person accused of wrongdoing remains innocent until credible evidence establishes otherwise. The second is accountability. Public office must never become a shield against legitimate scrutiny.
These principles are not contradictory. They reinforce one another.
Indeed, occupying high public office imposes a higher obligation to embrace transparency. Public confidence is strengthened not when difficult questions are discouraged, but when they are answered through independent institutions and credible investigations.
Several questions therefore deserve answers—not because they imply guilt, but because they are necessary for public confidence.
What was the immediate cause of Mary Habila’s death?
What do the medical and forensic findings reveal?
Who interacted with her in the hours preceding the incident? What evidence has investigators gathered?
Can the investigative process withstand independent public scrutiny?
These questions should be answered by forensic science, witness testimony, documentary evidence, and lawful investigation not by rumours, political propaganda, or social media speculation.
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The unfortunate tendency in Nigeria is that investigations involving politically exposed persons often struggle to enjoy public confidence, regardless of the eventual outcome. This trust deficit is itself a national problem. It reflects years of inconsistent accountability, selective prosecution, and opaque investigations.
Consequently, transparency is no longer optional; it is essential.
The investigators handling this matter therefore carry responsibilities that extend beyond this single case. Their work will influence public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Every procedural safeguard must be observed. Every relevant witness must be interviewed. Every forensic examination must be professionally conducted. Every conclusion must be evidence-based.
Equally important, public commentary must remain responsible. Those rushing to convict without evidence risk destroying an innocent person’s reputation. Those attempting to suppress legitimate inquiry risk undermining justice itself.
Neither extreme honours the memory of the deceased.
Ultimately, this case is bigger than Senator David Umahi. It is bigger than political parties. It is bigger than government and opposition. It concerns the value we place on every Nigerian life.
Justice demands neither a cover-up nor a witch-hunt. It demands impartial investigation, due process, scientific evidence, and fearless accountability. If the investigation establishes that no criminal conduct occurred, the public should accept that conclusion, provided it is supported by credible evidence and a transparent process.
If it establishes that any person bears legal responsibility, regardless of status or office, the law must apply without fear or favour. That is the standard expected in every constitutional democracy.
Mary Habila cannot speak for herself.
Nigeria’s institutions must now speak through truth, professionalism, and justice. Only then will the public know that justice was not merely promised—it was done and seen to be done.
Frank Odion Apokwu, DSC, LLB, FNIM, FSM, FIMC, CMC, is a Public Affairs Analyst, Social Commentator Democratic Reforms and Inclusive Development Advocate.
Email: fapokwu@gmail.com
