Mary Habila: Group urges Umahi’s suspension, backs Police demand for autopsy

By Ugochukwu Alaribe, UMUAHIA

A civil society group, Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD), has called for the suspension of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending the conclusion of investigations into the death of Mary Habila at his residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The group also commended the Ebonyi State Police Command for insisting that an autopsy be conducted to determine the cause of Habila’s death.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Obinna Nwagbara, YSAD said Umahi should step aside to allow for an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The group expressed concern over reports that the family of the deceased had requested that no autopsy be conducted and that the remains be released for burial.

YSAD described the reported request as troubling, arguing that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death required a thorough investigation in the interest of justice and accountability.

The statement read: “In a matter involving mysterious death of a citizen within the residence of a high-ranking public official, the full weight of the law must prevail.

“An autopsy is not optional; it is a necessary legal and medical procedure to establish the cause of death, and no family request or political influence should override this procedure.”

The group urged the police to remain committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation, irrespective of pressure from any quarter.

“We therefore urge the Police to remain resolute and uncompromising in this case. No pressure, whether from the family, powerful individuals, or any quarters, should deter the police from conducting a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation,” it said.

YSAD also called on the Inspector-General of Police to personally monitor the case and ensure that all relevant procedures were followed.

The group further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily step aside pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Given the gravity of the circumstances — a young woman losing her life in the residence of a sitting minister — it is only proper that Umahi steps aside to allow an unhindered and unbiased inquiry.

“This is not a presumption of guilt but a necessary measure to uphold public confidence in the integrity of the investigation process,” the group said.

It added that justice should not be compromised by influence or convenience, insisting that Habila’s family and Nigerians deserved clarity on the circumstances surrounding her death.

Habila, who worked with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, and was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, died on June 27, 2026, at a building within the minister’s residence in Uburu.

Umahi had earlier requested that the Nigeria Police Force conduct an autopsy involving qualified forensic pathologists to establish the cause of death, while urging that the remains of the deceased not be released until investigations were concluded.

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