Northern Youth Assembly Seeks Transparent Probe Into Mary Habila’s Death At Umahi’s Residence

The Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has called for an independent, transparent, and credible investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, who reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The group said the case had become a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and equality before the law, insisting that the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death must be fully uncovered.

Speaking on behalf of the National Speaker of NYAN, Rt. Hon. Faruq Dangi Ahmad, the organisation’s spokesman, Shuaib Ishaq Yahaya, told journalists on Thursday that the death of any Nigerian under suspicious circumstances deserved serious attention, particularly when it allegedly occurred within the residence of a serving cabinet minister.

“The death of any Nigerian under suspicious circumstances is a matter of national concern. However, when such a tragedy allegedly occurs within the private residence of a serving cabinet minister, the Nigerian people deserve nothing less than a full, transparent, independent, and credible investigation,” Yahaya said.

He warned that anything short of a thorough investigation would further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and reinforce the perception that politically exposed persons enjoy immunity from accountability.

The youth body acknowledged the public explanation earlier issued by Umahi, which stated that the late Habila was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been seconded as a physiotherapist to the Federal Ministry of Works.

However, NYAN argued that the explanation had raised several unanswered questions requiring official clarification.

“If Miss Mary Habila was officially assigned in that capacity, what official assignment brought her to the Minister’s private residence? Was she carrying out government duties? If so, what specific responsibilities required her presence there? Why was she reportedly at the residence overnight? Who was present before, during, and after the incident? What exactly transpired before her death?” Yahaya asked.

“These are not accusations. They are legitimate questions that any responsible society must ask whenever a citizen dies under suspicious circumstances.”

The organisation also called on the management of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, to publicly release Habila’s employment records, details of her appointment, and any official documentation confirming her alleged secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to the group, “Nigerians deserve clarity, not speculation.”

NYAN further urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that investigations into the case remain independent, professional, and free from political interference.

It said every individual connected with the events leading to Habila’s death should be thoroughly investigated, while all available evidence—including forensic reports, medical findings, witness statements, CCTV footage where available, and communication records lawfully obtained—should be examined without fear or favour.

The youth organisation also expressed concern over the credibility of the planned post-mortem examination on Habila’s remains.

It urged the Nigeria Police Force to allow independent observers from reputable civil society organisations, the National Human Rights Commission, and, where appropriate, representatives of Habila’s family to witness the autopsy in accordance with the law and established medical procedures.

“Such transparency will strengthen public confidence in the integrity of the findings and help ensure that the outcome is widely accepted as credible, impartial, and free from any perception of undue influence,” Yahaya said.

NYAN also appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, women’s rights groups, youth organisations, and other advocates of justice to closely monitor the investigation to ensure that it is not compromised.

Describing the matter as one that extends beyond the death of a single individual, the group said the outcome would reflect Nigeria’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must understand that this case has gone beyond the tragic death of one young Nigerian. It has become a test of our nation’s commitment to justice, equality before the law, and accountability in public office.

“Nigerians are watching. The international community is watching. History is watching,” the spokesman stated.

The organisation stressed that justice should never depend on social status, political influence, or public office, noting that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law.

It also expressed solidarity with the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during what it described as an irreparable loss.

While urging Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, NYAN maintained that its demand remained “simple and non-negotiable.”

“Let the truth prevail, let justice be served, and let no one be above the law.

“The memory of Mary Habila deserves dignity. Her family deserves answers. Nigeria deserves the truth. Justice delayed is justice denied. Justice for Mary Habila is justice for every Nigerian,” the group declared.