NYCN Gives Umahi Seven-Day Ultimatum To Step Aside Over Mary Habila’s Death

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to step aside over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, warning that it will embark on nationwide protests if its demands are not met.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the council called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the minister to pave the way for what it described as an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

The group also urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite and question Umahi, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident warrant a transparent criminal investigation.

According to the council, reports in the public domain indicate that Habila died at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, adding that the allegations surrounding her death have generated widespread public concern.

The NYCN further demanded an independent autopsy, saying the examination should be conducted transparently to establish the cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.

It argued that any investigation conducted under the influence of interested parties would lack credibility and fail to inspire public confidence.

The council gave the Federal Government seven days to suspend the minister and ensure what it described as a credible and uncompromised investigation, warning that failure to do so would prompt it to mobilise members and allied civil society organisations for sustained nationwide protests.

It said the demonstrations would be held in Abuja, Kaduna, Ebonyi State and other parts of the country until its demands were met.

Part of the statement read, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend Senator Dave Umahi from his position as the Minister of Works. An active cabinet minister cannot be undergoing investigation for potential homicide while retaining the immense power, immunity and influence of his office.

“He must step down to ensure that the police and independent investigators can work without intimidation or interference.

“The Nigeria Police Force must immediately take Senator Dave Umahi into custody for thorough questioning. Justice must not be selective. If a similar tragedy occurred in the home of an ordinary citizen, that individual would immediately be behind bars as the primary suspect.

“While we acknowledge the Minister’s recent public statements demanding an autopsy, we reject any investigation conducted under his influence or within facilities tied to his administration.

“We demand an independent, internationally witnessed autopsy to scientifically determine the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death, including whether there were signs of physical violence, sexual assault or forced substance ingestion.”

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