Trending 
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who reportedly died at the residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have become a matter of public interest that requires an inquiry independent of the Executive and urged Umahi to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.
“The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence,” said Abdullahi.
Habila reportedly died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
She was a physiotherapist from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who, according to the minister’s office, had been on secondment to the Ministry of Works.
The cause of her death has not yet been established, and police investigations are ongoing.
The ADC said official explanations had failed to address key questions surrounding the incident.
“The explanations offered so far have done little to answer the questions that continue to trouble Nigerians. What exactly was the nature of Ms. Habila’s official assignment? Why was she residing in the Minister’s private residence? What were the precise circumstances leading to her death? What have investigators established so far? These are legitimate questions that can only be answered by facts and evidence, not assurances.”
The party demanded an inquiry outside the control of the Executive, including a full autopsy and the publication of the findings.
“We therefore call for an independent investigation that is completely removed from the control or influence of the Executive. This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms Habila’s death and a public report of its findings. This is the only way to ensure that justice is done, and it is seen to be done.”
The ADC further argued that the case reflected what it described as a broader pattern of shielding senior government officials from scrutiny and asked Umahi to temporarily relinquish his position while investigations continue.
“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, namely Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation.”
Umahi has denied any attempt to conceal the incident. The minister has maintained that Habila was found unresponsive at his residence, that medical personnel and the police were immediately notified, and that he advised her family to approve an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
He has also rejected allegations of a cover-up and said he would pursue legal action against those circulating what he described as false reports about the incident.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. As of Wednesday, no official cause of death had been announced, and no one had been charged in connection with the case.
15 JULY 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMARY HABILA: ADC DEMANDS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
-SAYS TINUBU RUNNING GOVERNMENT OF COVER-UPSThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply disturbed by the unresolved circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ms. Mary…
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) July 15, 2026
