Two Northern Groups Demand Probe Into Mary Habila’s Death In Ebonyi Home Of Umahi

By Ayodele Oni

For the records, Minister Umahi, from day one,  demanded for an autopsy to determine cause of Ms. Habila’s death

Two northern groups have insisted that there are more to the controversial death of Mary Habila, at the residence of the minister of Works, David Umahi.

Mary Habila said to be Umahi’s personal physiotherapist, died on June 27, 2026, at the residence of Minister Umahi in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under police investigation.

The groups, Southern Kaduna Is Awake and Southern Kaduna People’s Union, (SOKAPU) in statements demanded independent probe into the incident.

 Spokesperson Southern Kaduna is Awake, Nasiru Jagaba, called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct relevant authorities to conduct an independent investigation, arguing that public confidence in the justice system depends on the willingness of authorities to establish the facts without fear or favour.

“The death of Mary Habila at the residence of a serving minister is a matter that should shake the conscience of every Nigerian who still believes in justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life.

“A young woman left her home alive and arrived at the residence of one of the most powerful public officials in the country. Within hours, she was dead. That simple fact alone demands answers.”

 According to Jagaba, the incident has raised troubling questions that can only be resolved through a transparent and credible probe, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have become a matter of national concern.

“This is not about politics. This is not about party affiliation. This is not about ethnicity or religion. This is about justice.

“Public office should never become a shield against scrutiny. The higher the office, the higher the responsibility to submit to investigation.

“Why was Mary Habila at the minister’s residence? Who invited her there? Under what arrangement was she present?

“What exactly happened between the time she arrived and the moment she was allegedly found unresponsive?” the statement queried.

He described the autopsy process as essential to establishing the truth and urged authorities to ensure that it is conducted professionally and without interference.

“An autopsy is not an attack on anyone’s reputation. It is a scientific tool for discovering the truth. It protects both the deceased and those who may be wrongly accused,” Jagaba said.

The organization also called for thorough questioning of all individuals reportedly connected to the case, including a woman said to have travelled with Habila and a police officer allegedly linked to bringing the women to the residence.

While emphasizing that no one should be presumed guilty, the group insisted that no individual, regardless of status or influence, should be placed beyond investigation.

“No one should be presumed guilty. But no one should be placed above investigation,” the statement declared.

The group further expressed concern over reports that members of Habila’s family may be facing pressure regarding the demand for an autopsy, describing such allegations as disturbing and deserving of separate investigation if confirmed.

It urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain professional and independent in handling the matter.

“The police must resist any pressure from powerful interests and follow the evidence wherever it leads. They must speak for the dead because Mary Habila can no longer speak for herself.

“Mary Habila was someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone’s friend and someone’s hope for tomorrow.

“Her death has reopened painful memories of a country where too many ordinary citizens disappear into statistics while the powerful move on without accountability. That must not happen this time.

“The truth should not fear investigation. The innocent should not fear the truth. And justice should never bow before power,”he added.

SOKAPU, in a statement titled, “Condolences and Call for Justice Over the Tragic Passing of Mary Habila,” signed by the National President of Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, in Abuja, described Habila’s death as “mysterious and untimely,” saying it had thrown the people of Southern Kaduna into mourning and raised serious questions that deserved credible answers.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I address you today regarding the mysterious and untimely death of our daughter, sister and esteemed professional, the late Mary Habila.

“Her passing under highly suspicious circumstances has left our entire community in shock, grief and demand for answers,” he said.

The union extended its condolences to Habila’s family, friends and the people of Southern Kaduna, describing her as a valued member of the community whose sudden death had left a painful vacuum.

SOKAPU, however, expressed concern over reports that the bereaved family was unwilling to allow further investigations and preferred to proceed with her burial.

While acknowledging the family’s right to grieve, the group maintained that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, particularly as it allegedly occurred at the residence of a serving minister, required a transparent investigation in the interest of justice.

“We recognise the overwhelming grief and the right of the family to mourn in peace.

“Yet, the mysterious nature of her death, occurring at the residence of a high-profile public official, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, demands that we seek the unvarnished truth.

“While we respect the family’s privacy and wishes, we must emphasise that true closure and justice can only be achieved through transparency.

“We cannot afford to let this tragedy slip into the shadows. We humbly appeal to the family, traditional rulers and elders to reconsider their stance and allow the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into what truly transpired.”

The group pledged its support to the family throughout the process and urged law enforcement agencies to carry out a professional investigation.

“Let it be known that SOKAPU stands unequivocally with the family. We will provide any necessary support to ensure that no stone is left unturned and that the investigation is handled without bias or compromise,” Kato added.

He also appealed to Southern Kaduna residents to remain calm, united and law-abiding, assuring them that the union would continue to monitor developments and pursue justice through lawful means.

Minister Umahi has, however, vehemently denied any foul play, or personal involvement, in the sudden death of Miss Habila. From onset, the Minister has continued to insist on an autopsy to confirm the cause of death. He has, also, threatened legal action against anybody who dares spread false stories over Miss Habila’s death, and wished such people worse sudden death than she met.