Paul Ibe, media aide to 2027 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the federal government’s handling of the death of Mary Habila. He contends that the Nigerian police have a legal obligation to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation and a Coroner’s inquest to determine the medical cause and circumstances surrounding her death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Arguments

• Government Responsibility: Ibe asserts that under Nigerian law, the government must treat any sudden, suspicious, or unnatural death as a crime against the state.

• Investigative Obligation: He argues that the government’s duty to investigate such deaths cannot be blocked or halted by the deceased’s family.

• Failure to Act: Ibe claims the government failed in its responsibilities regarding the death, which occurred at the Uburu residence of Works Minister David Umahi.

• Forensic Concerns: He questioned the absence of a state-conducted autopsy, stating that without one, it is impossible to determine the cause of death or identify potential foul play, negligence, or torture.

• Required Procedures: Ibe maintains that in such cases, the police are required to secure the scene, gather forensic evidence, and question all involved parties.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has commended President Bola Tinubu for choosing to retain Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Governor Zulum made these remarks after the President officially presented the certificate confirming Shettima as the All Progressives Congress (APC) vice-presidential candidate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Highlights of Zulum’s Statement

• Historic Significance: Zulum emphasized that this is the first time an individual from Borno State and the Northeast has achieved the office of the Vice President and been renominated for a potential second term.

• Appreciation and Future Visit: Zulum expressed gratitude to the President on behalf of the Northeast region and noted that the President has approved a formal “thank-you” visit from representatives of the northeastern states, which is being planned for next week.

• Regional Unity: Representing the Northern states’ governors, Zulum noted that while the position is held by a son of Borno, it is recognized as belonging to Northern Nigeria as a whole, and he thanked the region for their continued acceptance of Shettima.

• Reflecting on the Past: Governor Zulum remarked that the region had previously come close to achieving this level of representation during the era of Baba Gana Kingibe, but they were unable to secure it at that time.

The family of the late Mary Habila has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to demand the immediate release of her body for burial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Family’s Petition and Demands

• The petition was submitted to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday by the deceased’s father, Tanko Habila, alongside his wife, relatives, and legal counsel.

• The family expressed deep frustration with the Ebonyi State Police Command, noting that the body has been withheld for nearly two weeks.

• They argue there is no legal justification for keeping the remains and accused the police of causing the family unnecessary emotional distress.

• Tanko Habila stated the family is not interested in a post-mortem examination, asserting that sudden deaths can occur without foul play, and they simply wish to proceed with funeral arrangements.

Minister David Umahi’s Response

• Mary Habila passed away at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, under circumstances currently under investigation.

• Minister Umahi has denied any involvement in her death, labeling attempts to link him to the incident as “politics taken too far”.

• He stated that Habila was a trusted aide and felt like a daughter to him, noting he had previously funded some of her medical treatments for existing health issues.

• Regarding the circumstances of her death, Umahi reported that she had complained of bleeding from her nose during a call with her boyfriend shortly before she was discovered.