Comrade Usman Okai Austin, a Kogi-born political activist, has formally petitioned Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old nurse found lifeless at the residence of Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
Activist demands justice, warns against political shielding
In his petition, Okai stressed that Umahi, as a minister, does not benefit from the immunity provisions under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution — a protection that applies exclusively to sitting governors and the president. He insisted that investigators must treat the case without deference to the minister's political standing.
Okai characterised Habila's death as a growing political liability for President Bola Tinubu's administration and directed a pointed appeal at First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, known for her advocacy on behalf of vulnerable women and girls.
Appeal to First Lady and civil society
"The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has built a legacy of defending the vulnerable, particularly young women. Her silence on this matter would be deafening. This is the time her voice is needed most to ensure that justice is not compromised by political influence," Okai said.
He further urged pro-women civil society organisations to mobilise and push for accountability, while advising the Habila family to resist any financial inducements or pressure that could undermine the pursuit of justice.
"A young woman's life has been cut short under highly suspicious circumstances in the home of a cabinet minister. The police must prove to Nigerians that no citizen, no matter how highly placed, is above the law," he concluded.
Umahi breaks silence on nurse's death
Minister David Umahi has spoken about Habila's death, whose body was found inside a staff chalet at his residence in Uburu, Ebonyi state. He firmly rejected allegations that the incident was handled secretively, stating that Habila was not a personal visitor or a guest brought to his home. He described her as a nurse employed by the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital and officially seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works for professional duties.
Umahi recounted that Habila was found unresponsive after she failed to come out of her room. Personnel broke open her door and found her dead. He said medical staff were called to the scene immediately and worked to resuscitate her before she was conveyed to a hospital, where she was formally pronounced dead.
Father petitions IGP for release of remains
Habila's father, Tanko Habila Wisdom, told reporters he holds no suspicion against anyone over his daughter's death and that recovering her body for burial remains the family's sole concern. He made the remarks on Friday, July 18, after he and other family members, accompanied by their lawyers, delivered a petition to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The petition formally requested that the Ebonyi State Police Command release Mary's remains to the family, who say they have waited nearly a fortnight without being able to bury her.
