By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an independent investigation into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila at the residence of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have become a matter of public interest and should be investigated independently to ensure transparency and accountability.
The ADC also urged Minister Umahi to step aside while investigations continue, arguing that such a move would help preserve public confidence in the investigative process.
According to the party, an independent inquiry should include a forensic autopsy and the public release of the findings to establish the exact cause of Habila’s death.
The party said several questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered, including the nature of Habila’s assignment, why she was at the minister’s residence and the circumstances leading to her death.
The ADC further alleged that the Tinubu administration has failed to ensure adequate accountability in cases involving senior government officials. The party argued that allowing an independent investigation without executive interference would strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The opposition also warned that failure to permit a transparent investigation could deepen public concern over the handling of the case.
Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at the residence of Minister David Umahi in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The incident remains under investigation by the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
Minister Umahi has confirmed that Habila died at his residence and stated that she was a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works. He has also said he advised the family to consent to an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
However, police authorities have not yet released the official cause of death or concluded their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has continued to attract nationwide attention, with renewed calls from various groups and stakeholders for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
