Atiku to Tinubu: Suspend Umahi, order independent probe into Mary Habila’s death

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and order an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila.

Atiku made the demand in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, accusing the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate transparency and urgency in handling the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Habila reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at a staff chalet located within Umahi’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Her death has since generated widespread public concern and demands for a thorough investigation.

The former vice president expressed sympathy with the deceased’s family, describing her death as a tragedy that required answers rather than silence.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,” Atiku said.

He criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s handling of the matter, noting that nearly three weeks after Habila’s death, no autopsy had been conducted and no official cause of death had been established.

According to him, the continued investigation by the Ebonyi State Police Command could undermine public confidence because of Umahi’s political influence in the state as a former governor.

“At a time when Nigerians deserve answers, there has been silence from the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly,” Atiku stated.

The ADC presidential candidate stressed that he was not accusing anyone of wrongdoing but argued that only an independent and transparent investigation could establish the facts surrounding the incident.

“I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent and transparent investigation can establish the truth,” he said.

Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of treating the matter as an inconvenience rather than a serious national concern, arguing that the government had a responsibility to reassure Nigerians that every life mattered.

He therefore demanded that President Tinubu direct Umahi to step aside pending the conclusion of investigations.

“This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy. No official under this cloud should continue to preside over a federal ministry as though it were business as usual,” he said.

The former vice president also called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts in the probe.

He further demanded a “full, independent and internationally credible autopsy” with the findings made public, while urging authorities to ensure that Habila’s family was protected from intimidation or undue influence.

“The family of Mary Habila must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death,” he said.

Atiku maintained that the true test of accountability was how governments respond when allegations or controversies involve powerful public officials.

“Mary Habila was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, a young professional with her life ahead of her. She was a Nigerian. Her death must not be reduced to a footnote of political convenience,” he stated.

The former vice president concluded by calling for justice for the deceased and transparency in the ongoing investigation, insisting that no public official should be beyond scrutiny.

“May the soul of Mary Habila rest in peace. May her family find justice,” he added.