The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded an independent inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who was found dead in the Ebonyi residence of David Umahi, Minister of Works.
The opposition party also urged Umahi to step aside to allow an independent panel probe the case, arguing that doing so would guarantee public confidence in the outcome of the probe.
ADC made the demands in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Mary Habila’s death sparked nationwide attention after reports emerged that the young physiotherapist died under unclear circumstances at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister
The Ebonyi State Police Command subsequently transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), while the cause of death remains unknown.
Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, insisting there was no attempt to conceal the incident.
He said Habila was among medical personnel attached to the Federal Ministry of Works and disclosed that he advised her family to approve an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The incident has since attracted calls for an independent investigation from opposition parties and civil society groups.
ADC maintained that the death of a citizen inside the residence of a serving cabinet minister is a matter of public interest that requires full transparency and accountability.
It said questions surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence and the events leading to her death remain unanswered.
According to Abdullahi, only an inquiry conducted outside the influence of the Executive can establish the facts and restore public confidence.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The ADC argued that anything short of an independent probe would only fuel public suspicion and weaken trust in state institutions.
It further alleged that the Tinubu administration has repeatedly failed to subject senior government officials facing serious allegations to independent scrutiny.
ADC accused the administration of shielding political appointees whenever controversies emerge.
It said the pattern had created “scandal insurance” for top government officials.
“The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability,” the statement added.
The opposition party described the incident as one that goes beyond politics, insisting that the death of a young woman in the residence of a serving minister demands exceptional openness.
It therefore insisted that Umahi should vacate office temporarily until an independent investigation is concluded.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC warned that failure by President Bola Tinubu to insist on accountability would reinforce public perception that his administration protects senior officials from scrutiny.
It said Nigerians deserve the truth about the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, while her family deserves justice.
The party went on to extend condolences to Habila’s family, urging the authorities to ensure that the investigation is transparent and its findings made public.
