Minister Dave Umahi Embroiled in Death Controversy as Family Demands Justice for Mary Habila

The mysterious death of Mary Habila, a staff member attached to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at his Uburu residence in Ebonyi State on June 27, has sparked widespread controversy, calls for independent investigation, and a legal battle over her remains. Ms. Habila, identified as a qualified nurse who served at David Umahi University of Health Sciences, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital.

Initially, Ms. Habila’s family, led by her father, Tanko Habila, vehemently rejected repeated requests for a post-mortem examination. In an affidavit deposed at the Ebonyi State High Court on July 13, Mr. Habila stated that while he welcomed steps to unravel the cause of death, his family did not consent to an autopsy. Citing personal, cultural, and traditional reasons, the family expressed a wish to leave her body and organs intact, emphasizing they did not suspect foul play and desired no further investigation. They formally requested the Nigeria Police Force to release her body for a proper burial, which was initially scheduled for July 17. The family’s lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, later petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for the immediate release of her remains, affirming that all police requirements for the body’s release had been fulfilled. The family also aimed to correct alleged misinformation regarding Ms. Habila's profession, clarifying she was a qualified nurse, and to address false claims about her personal character.

Amid public outcry, Minister Umahi denied any cover-up, insisting the incident had been reported to the police. He subsequently requested the police to conduct an autopsy on Ms. Habila’s body to determine the cause of death. In a formal letter dated July 15, Umahi’s counsel, Roy Nwaeze, reiterated the request for a comprehensive autopsy by qualified forensic pathologists and urged the police not to release the body to the family until the examination was completed. The Minister stated these measures were in the interest of justice, transparency, and to eliminate speculation. Umahi clarified that Ms. Habila, whom he described as "like a daughter" and whose medical treatment he had sponsored at a Turkish hospital, was a nurse, not a physiotherapist, and had worked with him for three years. Providing his account of the events preceding her death, Umahi disclosed during a press conference on July 16 that Ms. Habila had complained of a nosebleed during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she died. He also accused some police officers of leaking photographs taken of the deceased at the mortuary, which he alleged were circulated to create misleading narratives.

Despite the family's objections, the Ebonyi State Police Command initially insisted on proceeding with the autopsy, awaiting a family representative. The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, assured the public that the investigation would be "thorough, transparent, and impartial," promising updates as the case progressed. Later, the command announced it would proceed with the autopsy despite the objections from some members of the deceased's family.

The circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death have attracted significant calls for independent investigation and international oversight. The International Human Rights Network (IHRN) urged the US Embassy in Nigeria to look into the death, requesting a thorough investigation including forensic examination, witness interviews, and an inquiry free from political influence. IHRN also questioned Ms. Habila’s employment status and her official assignment that explained her presence at the Minister’s residence. The organization called for an independent investigative panel with international observers, comprehensive forensic examinations (including autopsy and toxicology reports), protection for witnesses and whistleblowers, and prosecution of any culpable individuals. IHRN's petitions were addressed to various national and international bodies.

Adding to the pressure, Atiku Abubakar, the ADC Presidential candidate for the 2027 election, publicly demanded that President Bola Tinubu immediately order Minister Umahi to step aside from office pending an independent investigation. In a statement released on July 15, Atiku questioned why the investigation remained domiciled in Ebonyi State, where Umahi previously served as a two-term governor and wielded considerable influence. He called for the Inspector-General of Police to immediately transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, involve independent forensic experts, and ensure a full, independent, and internationally credible autopsy with public findings. Atiku also stressed the importance of protecting Mary Habila’s family from any pressure, inducement, or intimidation, and guaranteeing them unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death. He criticized the perceived silence from the Presidency, the Inspector-General of Police, and the National Assembly on the matter.