RismadarVoice Reporters, July 25, 2026
The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Association (SOKAPU) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna over the death of nurse Mary Habila, who was attached to the minister’s medical team.
Mary Habila reportedly died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence, an incident that has generated widespread public concern and renewed calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to court documents, SOKAPU named Habila Tanko Wisdom, the deceased’s father, the Attorney-General of Ebonyi State, and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State as co-respondents in the suit.
The association is asking the court to order an autopsy on the late nurse to determine the exact cause of her death. It is also seeking N20 billion in damages from the Minister of Works, alleging a breach of duty of care while the deceased was under his supervision.
The legal action follows earlier assurances by the Ebonyi State Police Command that an autopsy would be conducted, despite reports that some members of the deceased’s family opposed the procedure.
Umahi had previously written to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police requesting that an autopsy be carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The suit is expected to raise legal issues concerning duty of care, accountability, and the role of forensic investigations in determining the cause of death.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal High Court had not fixed a date for the hearing of the case.
