The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, demanding his resignation over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila. The group warns it will organize nationwide protests if its demands are not met by the federal government.
NYCN Demands Resignation and Suspension
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the NYCN called on Umahi to step aside to allow for what it described as an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila's death. The council argued that Umahi should not remain in office while there are calls for a criminal investigation into the incident.
The group also urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend the minister immediately and called on the Nigeria Police Force to invite Umahi for questioning. Additionally, the NYCN demanded an independent autopsy, insisting it should be conducted transparently and free from any influence to determine the exact cause of Habila's death.
Demand for Independent Autopsy
The NYCN stated, "While we acknowledge the Minister's recent public statements demanding an autopsy, we reject any investigation conducted under his influence or within facilities tied to his administration. We demand an independent, internationally witnessed autopsy to scientifically determine the exact cause of Mary Habila's death."
The council said it was "deeply alarmed, distressed and outraged" by the circumstances surrounding the death, citing reports that Habila died at Umahi's private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The NYCN also referred to allegations circulating online regarding the condition in which the deceased was allegedly found. However, these claims have not been independently verified by investigators, and no official cause of death has been announced.
Threat of Nationwide Protests
The group warned that if the federal government fails to suspend Umahi and initiate what it described as a credible investigation within seven days, it would mobilize protests across the country. "If the Federal Government fails to suspend Senator Dave Umahi and initiate a credible, uncompromised prosecution process within the next seven days, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, in active partnership with allied civil society organizations and youth structures across the federation, will mobilize and shut down major public spaces in continuous, nationwide protests," the statement said.
Ongoing Investigations
The ultimatum comes amid ongoing investigations into Habila's death. Umahi has publicly called for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and has maintained that the investigation should proceed transparently. Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command has launched a forensic investigation, with the case being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department. No one has been charged in connection with the incident, and authorities have yet to announce the outcome of the investigation.
