Calls for greater institutional transparency have intensified following the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, with the Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) urging authorities to ensure that investigations into the incident are conducted independently and without interference. Habila 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.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, NYAN, through its spokesman, Shuaib Ishaq Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the organisation’s National Speaker, Rt. Hon. Faruq Dangi Ahmad, said the case had evolved into a broader test of public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. The group maintained that every death under suspicious circumstances deserves a transparent process, particularly when it involves the residence of a serving public official.
According to the organisation, public trust can only be strengthened if investigators are allowed to carry out their work professionally and independently. It warned that any perception of preferential treatment for politically exposed persons could undermine confidence in law enforcement and the principle of equality before the law.
The youth body acknowledged an earlier explanation by Senator Umahi that Habila was an employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works as a physiotherapist. However, it argued that the clarification had prompted additional questions that, in its view, require official answers through an investigative process rather than speculation.
Among the issues raised by the group were the nature of Habila’s assignment at the minister’s private residence, whether she was carrying out official duties, the circumstances surrounding her reported overnight stay, and the sequence of events before her death. NYAN stressed that these questions should not be interpreted as allegations but as matters investigators should address to establish the facts.
The organisation also called on the management of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to release records relating to Habila’s employment and any official documentation confirming her reported secondment. It further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that all available evidence, including forensic findings, medical reports, witness statements, CCTV footage where available, and lawfully obtained communication records, is thoroughly examined.
NYAN also urged the Nigeria Police Force to permit credible independent observers, including representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, recognised civil society organisations and, where appropriate, members of Habila’s family, to witness the planned post-mortem examination. According to the group, such openness would enhance public confidence in the credibility and impartiality of the autopsy findings.
The organisation called on civil society groups, women’s organisations, youth bodies and human rights advocates to closely monitor the investigation while urging Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding. Expressing sympathy to Habila’s family, NYAN said the pursuit of truth and justice should remain impartial and consistent with the constitutional principle that every citizen is equal before the law, regardless of status or public office.
