The Incorporated Trustees of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ United Association (SOKAPU) have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, 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, a development that has sparked nationwide concern and renewed calls for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
In the suit, SOKAPU named David Umahi as the primary respondent, alongside Habila Tanko Wisdom, the deceased’s father, the Attorney-General of Ebonyi State, and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.
The association is asking the court to order an independent autopsy to determine the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death. It is also seeking ₦20 billion in damages, alleging that the minister breached his duty of care while the nurse was under his supervision.
The legal action follows earlier statements from the Ebonyi State Police Command, which maintained that an autopsy would proceed despite reports that some members of the deceased’s family opposed the move.
Earlier, David Umahi had formally requested the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police to conduct an autopsy as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the nurse’s death.
Legal observers say the case could shape future interpretations of duty of care, accountability of public officials, and the role of judicial oversight in disputed death investigations.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal High Court had not fixed a date for hearing the case.
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