The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the death of Nurse Mary Habila, seeking an order for an autopsy and N20 billion in damages.
The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of SOKAPU at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, is asking the court to investigate the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death and determine whether her rights were violated.
SOKAPU is requesting that the court mandate an independent autopsy to establish the actual cause of death, arguing that unanswered questions surrounding the incident require further medical examination.
The group is also seeking N20 billion in compensation, alleging that there was a breach of duty of care and that the circumstances leading to Habila’s death amounted to a violation of her rights.
Named as defendants in the suit are Habila Tanko Wisdom, father of the deceased; the Attorney General of Ebonyi State; the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State; and Umahi.
The legal action follows public concern over the circumstances of Habila’s death, which has attracted reactions from various groups and individuals.
The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, despite reports that some members of the deceased’s family opposed the procedure.
Umahi has also backed the call for an autopsy, saying it would help establish the facts and address speculation surrounding the incident.
The Federal High Court is expected to announce a date for the hearing of the case.
