ADC: Why Umahi must step aside as minister and face investigation over lady’s death

● Opposition party demands independent probe and autopsy after physiotherapist Mary Habila dies at minister’s Ebonyi residence

The death of a 30+ old physiotherapist inside the home of a serving minister has pushed the African Democratic Congress  ADC,  to demand what it calls the bare minimum of accountability: resignation and an independent investigation.

Mary Habila was found dead at the Ebonyi residence of David Umahi, Minister of Works. What happened next, the ADC says, is exactly why Nigerians no longer trust the process.

–‘”This cannot be business as usual”—

In a statement Wednesday signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the circumstances around Habila’s death remained murky and must not be swept under the rug.

“The death of a citizen inside the residence of a serving cabinet minister is a matter of public interest that requires full transparency and accountability,” the party said.

Key questions, according to ADC, are still unanswered: Why was Habila at the minister’s residence? What led to her death? Who was present?

Because of that, the party is calling for two things immediately:

1. An independent investigation, completely removed from Executive control
2. A full autopsy with a public report on the findings

“This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms Habila’s death and a public report of its findings,” Abdullahi stated.

—“Step aside, Senator Umahi”—

The ADC’s most pointed demand is for Umahi himself to vacate office while the probe runs.

“The least that should be expected is that the Minister, namely Senator David Umahi, should immediately step aside from office pending the conclusion of an independent investigation,” the statement read.

The party argues anything less will deepen public suspicion. It accused the Tinubu administration of a pattern of protecting senior appointees, calling it “scandal insurance.”

“The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability,” Abdullahi said.

—What we know so far—

Police confirmed the incident sparked nationwide attention. The Ebonyi State Police Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. The cause of death is still unknown.

Umahi has denied wrongdoing. In his own statement, the Minister said Habila was among medical personnel attached to the Federal Ministry of Works. He said he advised the family to approve an autopsy.

But for ADC and several civil society groups now joining the call, that is not enough.

“This incident goes beyond politics,” the party said. “The death of a young woman in the residence of a serving minister demands exceptional openness.”

The ADC also extended condolences to Habila’s family and warned President Bola Tinubu that inaction will “reinforce public perception that his administration protects senior officials from scrutiny.”

“Nigerians deserve the truth,” the party declared. “Her family deserves justice,” it concluded.