Ohanaeze Ndigbo Backs Investigation Into Aide’s Death, Rejects Calls for Minister’s Resignation

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called on the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to complete their investigation into the death of Mary Habila. Habila was a member of the medical support team attached to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of President-General Senator Azuta Mbata, the group described calls for Umahi to resign or step aside as premature and unjustified. Ohanaeze emphasized that a tragic incident occurring within a person’s residential vicinity does not automatically establish culpability, reiterating the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence.

The organization expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young medical worker, extending condolences to her family while cautioning against the politicization of the tragedy. Ohanaeze noted that Minister Umahi has already requested a comprehensive forensic autopsy and an impartial, transparent investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Habila’s death. The group urged public commentators and interest groups to exercise restraint and avoid spreading speculative narratives that could prejudice the ongoing probe.