Northern Youth Council Gives Umahi 7-Day Deadline To Step Down

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to step aside over the circumstances surrounding the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Miss Mary Habila.

In a statement issued and signed by its National President, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the group also called on the Nigeria Police Force to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident. It said it would embark on nationwide protests if its demands are not addressed within seven days.

According to the statement, the council is seeking an independent and transparent autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death. It argued that any investigation should be free from undue influence and called for the process to be credible and impartial.

The NYCN said it was concerned by reports that Habila died at a residence linked to the minister in Uburu, Ebonyi State, and urged security agencies to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated in line with the law.

The council maintained that the circumstances surrounding the death require a transparent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability where necessary.

The group further stated that if its demands are not met within seven days, it would mobilise members and allied civil society organisations for peaceful protests in Abuja, Kaduna and Ebonyi State to press for what it described as justice in the matter.

The statement comes amid ongoing public interest in the case, while Senator Umahi has publicly called for an autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death. Authorities have yet to conclude investigations into the incident.