TADI Condemns Media Trial Over Mary Habila's Death

The Transparency and Accountability Development Initiative (TADI) issued a statement regarding the death of Mary Habila, cautioning against an escalating media trial. TADI, led by Executive Director Yomi David and Director of Programmes Tijani Usman Shehu, urged Nigerians to allow law enforcement to complete their investigations before making conclusions.

The organization expressed concern over speculative reporting linking Habila's death to the residence of Minister of Works David Umahi. TADI emphasized the importance of presuming innocence until proven guilty and warned that media trials could undermine ongoing investigations and public confidence in the justice system.

They called for media and public figures to rely on verified facts. Additionally, TADI criticized a lawsuit from the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) as premature and unnecessary, noting that investigations were ongoing, the autopsy report was not public, and no complaints had been lodged by Habila's family.

TADI asserted that anyone found culpable should face legal consequences, while those spreading false allegations should also be held accountable.