Fresh calls for an independent investigation have intensified over the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, whose body was discovered at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, with civil society groups and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urging President Bola Tinubu to ensure a transparent inquiry.
The Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA), in an open letter dated July 13, 2026, appealed to President Tinubu to guarantee a credible, impartial and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death. The letter, signed by the group’s President, Mrs. Omolara Abike, Vice President, Mrs. Ogonna Chiedum, and Secretary, Dr. Mariam Adeosun, stressed that its appeal was not an accusation against anyone but a call for accountability.
“The reported death of Mary Habila… deserves a thorough, independent, professional and transparent investigation,” the organisation said. It added that while every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and due process, holders of public office must also be willing to submit to public scrutiny. NWIA noted that some concerns surrounding the minister were based on public allegations that have not been proven and should not be treated as established facts.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also renewed pressure on the Federal Government, demanding an investigation that is completely independent of the Executive. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party argued that the death of a citizen inside the residence of a serving cabinet minister is a matter of significant public interest requiring maximum transparency.
The party further called on Umahi to temporarily step aside while an independent panel investigates the case, insisting that such a move would strengthen public confidence in the outcome. According to the ADC, questions surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence and the events leading to her death remain unanswered. The party also requested a full autopsy and the public release of the investigation’s findings.
Responding to the controversy, Umahi has denied any wrongdoing and rejected allegations that there was an attempt to conceal the incident. Speaking while inspecting the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway project, the minister explained that Habila’s family became concerned after she failed to respond, forced open her room and immediately contacted medical personnel from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), who rushed her to the hospital in an unsuccessful effort to revive her.
Umahi said the matter was promptly reported to the police and disclosed that he advised Habila’s parents to consent to an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. He also announced plans to institute legal action against individuals spreading what he described as false reports about the incident. According to the minister, Habila was a staff member of DUFUTH who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), while the cause of death remains unknown. Meanwhile, Habila’s family has fixed Friday, July 17, 2026, for her burial at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. She was 26 years old.
