By Augustine Akhilomen
…Accuses Tinubu Of Operating A Government Of Cover-Ups
…As Group Seeks Independent Probe To Unravel Her Death
…Umahi Has A Lot Of Questions To Answer, Nigerians React
…Family Announces Burial Of Physiotherapist Mary Habila
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the residence of Minister of Works David Umahi, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death raise legitimate questions that must be answered transparently.
The ADC made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday.
The party demanded that Umahi step aside pending the outcome of the probe, arguing that allowing him to remain in office would undermine public confidence in any investigation.
ADC accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of operating a “government of cover-ups” by repeatedly shielding senior officials from independent scrutiny.
According to the party, President Tinubu had effectively created “scandal insurance” for members of his cabinet whenever serious allegations arise against them.
The full statement read: “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.
“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.
“The only acceptable response in a constitutional democracy is a thorough, transparent and independent investigation that commands public confidence.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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. Official statements are deployed laden with presumptions and bias even before independent inquiries have even begun.
“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.
“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.
“Even in a blood-soaked country, human life remains sacrosanct. Therefore, a minister of Federal Republic cannot have a murder-related scandal hanging on his neck and still carry on with business as usual.
“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 ADC extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mary Habila. 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.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure an independent, transparent and credible investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, whose reported death at the residence of the Minister of Works has sparked public concern.
In an open letter dated July 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Mrs. Omolara Abike, Vice President, Mrs. Ogonna Chiedum, and Secretary, Dr. Mariam Adeosun, the organisation said that while investigations were ongoing, the circumstances surrounding the incident required a thorough and impartial probe to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
The group stressed that it was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, noting that every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and due process.
According to the organisation, “The reported death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist, at the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works has generated significant public concern and deserves a thorough, independent, professional and transparent investigation.”
It added, “This letter is not an attempt to pronounce anyone guilty. Every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and the protection of due process. However, the higher the public office, the greater the obligation to submit to transparent scrutiny.”
NWIA said its concerns were also informed by other complaints and public allegations that had, over time, been associated with the minister, although it emphasised that such allegations had not been established as facts.
“We do not present those allegations as established facts. Rather, we believe that where multiple concerns arise regarding a public official, the appropriate response is for competent authorities to investigate any credible complaints fairly and independently,” the group stated.
The organisation argued that transparent investigations into matters involving public officials would strengthen, rather than weaken, government institutions.
It warned that failure to conduct an open and credible investigation could reduce public confidence in government institutions, discourage victims and witnesses from reporting alleged misconduct, damage Nigeria’s reputation for good governance and the rule of law, erode investor confidence and deepen political divisions.
NWIA urged President Tinubu to ensure that the investigation into Habila’s death proceeds without interference and in line with the law.
The group also called for the preservation and proper examination of forensic evidence, including the autopsy report, protection for witnesses and complainants against intimidation, respect for the constitutional rights of all parties, and transparency in the handling of the investigation’s findings.
Addressing the President, the organisation said, “Your legacy will not be measured by whether allegations arise during your administration. It will be measured by whether your administration ensures that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of office or influence.”
While reaffirming its support for the Tinubu administration’s efforts to promote national development, NWIA urged the President to demonstrate that no public official is above accountability and that every Nigerian life deserves equal protection under the law.
More so, there are allegations that Habila was naked when her dead body was found in Umahi’s residence.
The controversial and mysterious nature of the death is currently raising questions on X.
Speaking on the development in a post on X, a journalist with Secret Reporter, Fejiro Oliver, said Umahi has a lot of questions to answer.
“The Umahi Teaching Hospital that he claimed deployed them to him has no business doing such. Umahi has lots of questions to answer.
“If a girl dies in the house of a poor man, he will be in police custody by now. Umahi should be in one. That’s the only debate he should be having right now and not with Peter Obi,” Oliver said.
He listed some questions that require answers.
“Who killed the girl?
“Who sucked her breasts when it was opened?
“Who stripped her naked?
“Do doctors now carry out physio work naked?”
In the same vein, another X user known as Onu_Slim wrote:
“Nigeria, we need to talk about what happened at Dave Umahi’s residence.”
On his part, the head of Mission, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, Henry Shield, claimed in an X post:
“Let me burst your bubbles. Last week, I was invited to Transcorp by a former presidential aide who knew about this issue and wanted me to push it out.
“He gave me a vivid picture of what happened and even asked me to call the CP of Ebonyi and the Commissioner of Information to verify. I decided to investigate privately, and mehn, Umahi should rot in jail.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force is yet to officially comment on the incident.
The family of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, popularly known as Mara, has announced the burial arrangements for the young healthcare professional who was found dead under controversial circumstances at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State.
The announcement comes as police investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue, while investigators insist that an autopsy will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported that Habila died at the minister’s official residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, last Sunday.
The deceased, who was serving as a physiotherapist, was reportedly found naked when her body was removed from the minister’s quarters, a development that has continued to fuel public outrage and demands for transparency over the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to a funeral announcement released by her family, Mary Habila was born on September 18, 2000, and died on June 27, 2026, at the age of 26.
The family disclosed that her funeral service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Relatives, friends, colleagues, church members and sympathisers are expected to gather in Nok to pay their final respects to the late physiotherapist, whose sudden death has left her family and community devastated.