The Transparency and Accountability Development Initiative (TADI) has urged Nigerians to respect the rule of law and refrain from speculation over the reported death of Mary Habila, insisting that only a thorough investigation can establish the facts surrounding the incident.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Yomi David, and Director of Programmes, Tijani Usman Shehu, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of media trials and public commentary linking the reported death to the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, before investigators have concluded their work.

According to TADI, while Mary Habila’s reported death deserves a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation, it is dangerous and irresponsible for individuals, organisations or media platforms to present allegations, assumptions or opinions as though they have been established as facts.

The organisation said Nigeria’s constitutional democracy is built on the principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, warning that this principle is increasingly being eroded by sensational reporting and the rush to convict individuals in the court of public opinion.

“TADI strongly condemns the practice of media trials, where accusations are amplified, reputations are damaged and public opinion is manipulated long before evidence is examined,” the statement said.

It warned that such conduct not only threatens the rights of those involved but also has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations, influence witnesses and weaken public confidence in the justice system.

The group therefore called on media organisations, commentators, political actors and social media influencers to exercise restraint and professionalism, stressing that journalism should be driven by verified facts, credible evidence and responsible reporting rather than speculation or the pursuit of public attention.

TADI also urged law enforcement and investigative agencies to conduct a comprehensive, independent and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s reported death, maintaining that any conclusions should be based solely on forensic findings, witness testimony, credible evidence and the law.

The organisation stressed that its position should not be misconstrued as an attempt to shield anyone from accountability.

“We are not defending wrongdoing because none has been established since the investigation is still ongoing. We are defending the rule of law, due process and the constitutional rights guaranteed to every Nigerian,” it stated.

According to TADI, if any individual is found culpable following a lawful investigation, the law should take its full course without fear or favour.

Conversely, it said those found to have deliberately spread false, malicious or misleading information should also be held accountable under the law.

The group also criticised a lawsuit reportedly filed by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), describing the legal action as premature, unnecessary and possibly a veiled attempt at blackmail.

It argued that investigations were still in progress, the autopsy report had not been released, no criminal offence had been officially established by the authorities and the family of the deceased had not lodged any complaint.

TADI further cautioned media organisations, bloggers and commentators against publishing or disseminating false, malicious, defamatory or unsubstantiated allegations as established facts, warning that affected parties could seek legal redress where necessary.

It urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to complete their assignment without interference or prejudicial commentary.

According to the organisation, democracy can only thrive where evidence—not rumours, speculation or public sentiment—forms the basis of justice.

The group concluded by calling on all stakeholders to allow due process to prevail, insisting that the nation deserves truth rather than rumours, evidence rather than speculation, and justice rather than media verdicts.