The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned individuals and groups against politicising the death of Miss Mary Habila, insisting that only a transparent investigation, including an autopsy, can establish the true circumstances surrounding her demise.
According to an official signed statement by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, the association said while it deeply sympathises with the family of the deceased, the tragedy should not be exploited for personal vendettas or political gains.
NANS noted that it had closely monitored developments surrounding the case and maintained that justice can only be achieved through an impartial investigation based on facts rather than speculation or public pressure.
The association stated that available reports indicate that the Honourable Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has consistently called for the actual cause of Mary Habila’s death to be established. It noted that the minister formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death, although reports suggest that the deceased’s family objected to the request.
Against this backdrop, NANS criticised the Northern Youth Council over its seven-day ultimatum demanding Umahi’s resignation, describing the call as premature and lacking justification while investigations are yet to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The student body argued that any organisation genuinely committed to justice should support a thorough and impartial investigation rather than demand the removal of a public official who has openly expressed willingness to subject the matter to due process.
NANS further maintained that the Northern Youth Council had misplaced its priorities by seeking the minister’s removal instead of encouraging efforts aimed at uncovering the truth behind the death.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to justice, fairness and accountability, stressing that no individual should be shielded from investigation regardless of status, but that allegations must be tested through credible evidence and due process.
It also commended Engineer Umahi’s performance as Minister of Works, citing ongoing road infrastructure projects across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
NANS urged all stakeholders to allow law enforcement authorities to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter, insisting that justice for Mary Habila can only be achieved through an objective, transparent and evidence-based process rather than politically motivated campaigns.
