Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation into the death of Mary Habila, the domestic staff of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, insisting that the case must not be covered up.
Falana made the call in a statement on Monday titled, “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet,” where he also demanded transparent investigations into the death of Babatunde Tanimola and other suspected politically motivated killings in Osun State.
According to the senior advocate, every suspicious death deserves an independent and thorough investigation to uphold the sanctity of human life.
“The right to life is the most basic human right. Without it, other rights cannot be enjoyed by any person. On account of the sanctity of human life, the following cases of suspicious deaths must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
Falana expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death after she was found dead and unclad on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
While noting that Umahi had denied any foul play and maintained that the deceased had an existing medical condition, Falana questioned the handling of the scene and the delay in conducting an autopsy.
He alleged that the crime scene may have been compromised after the minister reportedly handled the deceased’s phone to speak with her boyfriend.
Falana also criticised the delay in carrying out an autopsy despite the Nigeria Police Force refusing the request by Habila’s father to release her body for burial.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that the investigation is conducted transparently and without interference, warning that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done in all cases involving suspicious deaths.
