RULAAC Condemns Alleged Threats Against SOKAPU President By Minister Umahi Over Mary Habila Lawsuit

 

The non-governmental human rights advocacy organisation insisted that demanding accountability over Habila’s death should not be treated as an attack on the minister.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned alleged threats against the National President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples United Associations (SOKAPU), Engr. Samuel Tabara Kato, by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the N20 billion lawsuit filed against him by the association amid the escalating controversy surrounding the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.

The non-governmental human rights advocacy organisation insisted that demanding accountability over Habila’s death should not be treated as an attack on the minister.

In a WhatsApp message seen by SaharaReporters, a phone number said to belong to Umahi warned Kato about the legal consequences of the lawsuit, while also referencing the SOKAPU president’s recent media engagements, including an interview with CNN.

“Don’t be afraid of the market u purchased. U will hear from legal authorities soonest. Continue another funny conference with CNN,” the message read.

“U want 20bn naira over the unfortunate death of someone that u know nothing about. U will get 20bn different suits for a lesson of ur funny life.”

The latest message comes barely a day after SOKAPU publicly accused the minister of threatening its president over the legal action seeking an independent investigation into Habila’s controversial death.

SaharaReporters had reported that at an emergency press conference on Tuesday, SOKAPU alleged that Umahi called Kato via WhatsApp at about 9:39 a.m. on July 28 after learning of the lawsuit and a television interview the SOKAPU president granted on Channels Television.

According to Kato, the caller identified himself as the Minister of Works before allegedly issuing threats over the case.

“I am David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works. I saw your suit against me; you need money, right? I will teach you a lesson of your life such that you will learn never to mess with a person like me. I will give you 10 lawsuits. People are mourning, and there you are taking me to court. I will deal with you!” Kato quoted the minister as saying before the call ended.

SOKAPU condemned the alleged remarks, describing them as intimidation aimed at discouraging the association from pursuing legal action over Habila’s death.

The group insisted that its decision to approach the court was a constitutional right and maintained that no amount of intimidation would force it to abandon the case.

It also reiterated its demand for an independent forensic autopsy to determine the true cause of Habila’s death, rather than what it described as attempts to proceed with her burial without conclusive medical findings.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC warned that any attempt to intimidate those calling for an impartial investigation could undermine public confidence in the justice system and discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.

Habila reportedly died under “sudden and unexplained circumstances” at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, prompting calls from Nigerians, human rights activists, and civil society groups, including SOKAPU, for an independent investigation into her death.

RULAAC maintained that seeking an independent, impartial, and effective investigation into an unnatural or suspicious death does not amount to an accusation of guilt against any individual.

The group argued that such a demand is consistent with Nigeria’s Constitution, domestic laws and the country’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, all of which require suspicious deaths to be investigated promptly, transparently and independently.

“Seeking an independent, impartial and effective investigation into an unnatural or suspicious death is neither an accusation of guilt nor an act of persecution,” Nwanguma stated.

“It is a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights and a fundamental requirement of the rule of law.”

RULAAC stressed that where an individual dies unexpectedly while in the residence, custody or care of another person, particularly a public official, the authorities have a heightened responsibility to establish the facts through a credible investigation capable of earning public trust.

The group added that such an investigation serves not only the interests of the deceased and their family but also protects the reputation of anyone ultimately found not to have been responsible for the death.

RULAAC further criticised reports that those advocating for an independent probe had allegedly been threatened with legal action or intimidation.

“RULAAC therefore considers it inappropriate and counterproductive for anyone seeking an independent investigation to be subjected to intimidation or threats of legal harassment,” Nwanguma said.

“If the reported threats are accurate, they risk undermining public confidence in the pursuit of justice and may discourage citizens and civil society organisations from exercising their constitutional rights.”

Umahi has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the incident and has publicly supported the conduct of a forensic autopsy.

RULAAC said that the minister’s position should naturally extend to backing an independent, transparent, and credible investigation free from any form of intimidation or undue influence.

The group renewed its appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the investigation is conducted professionally, impartially and transparently, while urging that the forensic examination and other investigative procedures comply with international best practices.

RULAAC insisted that the findings should be disclosed through appropriate legal channels.

“Justice requires that every suspicious death be investigated without fear or favour,” Nwanguma stressed.

“Calling for such an investigation is not a declaration of guilt; it is a demand that the truth be established through due process. Those advocating for accountability should not be threatened or intimidated for seeking justice.”

RULAAC also argued that public confidence in the investigation is particularly crucial because, according to it, questions had previously arisen over other matters involving the minister that generated widespread public concern.

The group maintained that this made it even more imperative for the investigation into Mary Habila’s death to be demonstrably independent, transparent and capable of dispelling any perception of bias or impunity.

“The rule of law demands no less,” Nwanguma stated.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS