Dalung demands independent probe into death of minister's nurse, raises questions over circumstances

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a staff member who died at the residence of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. Dalung stated on Facebook that the issue concerns the integrity of Nigeria's institutions and accountability, not personalities.

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If reports are accurate that Mary Habila served as the Minister’s personal nurse, Nigerians deserve clarification. Was she employed by the Federal Government? If so, under what legal arrangement was a public employee assigned as a personal nurse to a serving minister? Was she officially posted, seconded, or privately engaged?

Dalung raised concerns about Habila's employment status and the circumstances surrounding her death. He questioned whether Habila, reportedly serving as the minister's personal nurse, was a Federal Government employee and the legal basis for such an assignment. "If reports are accurate that Mary Habila served as the Minister’s personal nurse, Nigerians deserve clarification. Was she employed by the Federal Government? If so, under what legal arrangement was a public employee assigned as a personal nurse to a serving minister? Was she officially posted, seconded, or privately engaged?" Dalung asked.

He emphasized that these are legitimate questions regarding the potential misuse of public resources. Dalung also addressed reports of an affidavit from Habila's father indicating the family no longer wished to pursue further investigation. While respecting the family's decision, Dalung argued that unexplained deaths can remain matters of public concern, especially when official clarification is needed. "Criminal investigations are not conducted merely on behalf of families; they are conducted on behalf of society. That is why criminal cases are ordinarily prosecuted in the name of the State," he stated.

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Criminal investigations are not conducted merely on behalf of families; they are conducted on behalf of society. That is why criminal cases are ordinarily prosecuted in the name of the State.

Dalung stressed that if suspicious circumstances are established, the law must take its course, irrespective of public pressure or influence. He believes an independent investigation is the most effective way to resolve the controversy and produce findings that command public confidence. "The surest way to end speculation is not through press statements or competing narratives. It is through an independent, transparent investigation whose findings can withstand public scrutiny," he said. Habila, who worked with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and was on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, died on June 27, 2026. Minister Umahi has requested an autopsy by the Nigeria Police Force.

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The surest way to end speculation is not through press statements or competing narratives. It is through an independent, transparent investigation whose findings can withstand public scrutiny.