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

A civil society organization, the Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD), has called for the immediate suspension of Nigeria's Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. This demand comes amid investigations into the death of Mary Habila, who died at the minister's residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

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

YSAD has publicly commended the Ebonyi State Police Command for its insistence on conducting an autopsy to ascertain the cause of Habila's death. The group expressed deep concern over reports suggesting the deceased's family might have requested that no autopsy be performed, arguing that such a procedure is a necessary legal and medical step.

"In a matter involving the mysterious death of a citizen within the residence of a high-ranking public official, the full weight of the law must prevail," stated Obinna Nwagbara, YSAD's Executive Director. "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."

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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 steadfast in their investigation, regardless of any potential pressure from influential individuals or external quarters. YSAD also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to instruct Minister Umahi to temporarily step aside. This measure, they argue, is crucial to ensure an unhindered and unbiased inquiry, thereby upholding public confidence in the integrity of the investigation process.

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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.

Mary Habila, an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, died on June 27, 2026. The incident occurred within a building at the minister's residence. Minister Umahi had previously requested the Nigeria Police Force to conduct an autopsy involving forensic pathologists to establish the cause of her death.

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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.