Nigeria: Youth group demands independent probe into Mary Habila's death

The Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to guarantee an independent, transparent, and professional investigation into the death of Mary Habila. The group's appeal comes after Habila's reported death on June 27, 2026, at the residence of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Speaking in Abuja, NYAN's National Speaker, Hon. Faruq Dangi Ahmed, represented by Shuaib Ishaq Yahaya, stated that all individuals connected to the circumstances of Habila's death must be thoroughly investigated. The assembly emphasized the need to examine all available evidence, including forensic reports, medical findings, witness accounts, and CCTV footage, without bias.

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We note the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a post-mortem examination on the remains of the late Mary Habila. Given the enormous public interest in this case, the credibility of the post-mortem process is of paramount importance.

NYAN highlighted the critical importance of a credible post-mortem examination process, asserting that its outcome must earn public confidence. "Given the enormous public interest in this case, the credibility of the post-mortem process is of paramount importance," Yahaya stated, acknowledging the police's decision to conduct the examination.

The group urged the police to ensure the autopsy is conducted transparently and professionally, with oversight from stakeholders like family representatives, civil society organizations, and the National Human Rights Commission. NYAN also called on human rights and women's rights groups to closely monitor the investigation. The assembly stressed that every Nigerian deserves a thorough investigation when a life is lost under questionable circumstances, asserting that justice must be equal for all, regardless of social status or political influence.

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Justice must never depend on social status, political influence or the office occupied by any individual. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law.