ADC Calls For Independent Probe Into Nurse’s Death At Umahi’s Residence

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and urged the minister to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.

The opposition party said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death had become a matter of public interest, insisting that only a transparent investigation, including a forensic autopsy, could restore confidence in the handling of the case.

The ADC made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of shielding senior government officials from accountability whenever controversies arise.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply disturbed by the unresolved circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ms. Mary Habila, who reportedly died within the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,” the statement read.

“Every Nigerian life matters. But when a citizen dies in the home of a serving cabinet minister, the matter immediately transcends private tragedy and becomes a question of public accountability.”

According to the party, “the only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence.”

The ADC said the explanations provided so far had failed to answer critical questions surrounding the incident.

“The explanations offered so far have done little to answer the questions that continue to trouble Nigerians.

“What exactly was the nature of Ms. Habila’s official assignment? Why was she residing in the Minister’s private residence? What were the precise circumstances leading to her death? What have investigators established so far? These are legitimate questions that can only be answered by facts and evidence, not assurances.”

The party demanded that the investigation be conducted independently of the executive arm of government.

“We therefore call for an independent investigation that is completely removed from the control or influence of the Executive. This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms. Habila’s death and a public report of its findings.

“This is the only way to ensure that justice is done; and it is seen to be done. Anything less will only deepen public suspicion and further erode confidence in our institutions.”

The opposition party also alleged that the Tinubu administration had developed a pattern of protecting politically exposed persons from scrutiny.

“This case must also be viewed against an increasingly disturbing pattern in this scandal-prone government of APC under President Bola Tinubu.

“Time and again, whenever serious allegations arise around members of the administration, the default instinct of government is not to facilitate independent scrutiny but to build a wall of political protection around its own.”

The ADC further stated, “Appointees of President Tinubu sit pretty in their offices even as mind-blowing scandals swirl around them.

“The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability.

“It has now become impossible to ignore the impression that this administration now operates a system of scandal insurance for its senior officials, and proximity to power appears to guarantee protection from accountability.”

The party insisted that Umahi should vacate office while an independent investigation is conducted.

“But this is one scandal too many.

“This latest scandal is not just about financial crime, it is about the death of a young lady who reportedly died in the house of a senior Minister of this government.

“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, namely Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation.”

The ADC warned that if President Tinubu failed to insist on an independent probe, Nigerians would conclude that his administration prioritised political convenience over accountability.

“If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refuses to insist on this elementary principle, then Nigerians will be left with only one conclusion: that his administration has become a Cabinet of Cover-ups, where political convenience consistently takes precedence over transparency and accountability.”

The party also expressed condolences to Habila’s family.

“Their daughter deserves dignity. Her family deserves the truth. And Nigeria deserves a government that understands that accountability is not an inconvenience to be managed but the very foundation of public trust.”

The call followed fresh developments in the case, with Habila’s family reportedly declining to request an autopsy before her burial scheduled for Friday in Nok, Kaduna State.

Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, a day after she reportedly arrived from Kaduna alongside another woman, Anita Baski.

The case was initially handled by the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters before it was transferred to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Umahi subsequently confirmed that Habila died at his residence, describing her as a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works and stating that he advised the family to permit an autopsy.

However, police sources reportedly disputed parts of the minister’s account, maintaining that investigators had not established that Habila and Baski were employees of the university as claimed.

Investigators also insisted that an autopsy remained necessary before the body could be released, while police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to announce the cause of death or conclude their investigation.

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