The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary HabilaMary Habila, at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The rights group said the temporary suspension was necessary to ensure a transparent, independent and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, which has attracted public attention.

In a statement signed on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA stressed that its demand should not be interpreted as an allegation of wrongdoing against the minister.

According to the group, the call was intended to uphold the principles of accountability and public confidence in the investigation.

“HURIWA wishes to make it abundantly clear that this demand does not amount to an accusation that the Minister committed any crime. Rather, it is a call for the highest standards of accountability and transparency in a matter that has understandably generated widespread public concern,” the statement said.

The organisation argued that President Tinubu had both a constitutional and moral obligation to ensure that every suspicious death was investigated without fear or favour, regardless of the status of those connected to the incident.

It maintained that suspending the minister while investigations continue would help preserve the integrity of the process and remove any perception of interference.

HURIWA also proposed that the investigation be jointly supervised by the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the Federation, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and two credible civil society organisations.

The group said the panel should oversee a comprehensive forensic investigation, including an autopsy and other lawful procedures required to establish the cause of death.

HURIWA further questioned what it described as the disparity in the handling of high-profile cases, arguing that an ordinary citizen in similar circumstances would likely face more rigorous police scrutiny.

“Justice cannot wear two faces; one for the influential and another for ordinary citizens. Equal protection under the law demands equal treatment before the law,” the statement added.

The organisation described the case as a test of the Tinubu administrationTinubu administration‘s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law, warning that any perception of official interference could erode public confidence in state institutions.

It insisted that the death of the young healthcare professional deserved a transparent and professionally conducted investigation to establish the truth.

HURIWA also extended its condolences to Habila’s family and urged security agencies to carry out their duties without fear, favour or external influence.