The African Democratic Congress has increased its call for an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who was found dead at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The opposition party also demanded that Umahi temporarily resign from his ministerial position to allow an impartial panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding Habila’s reported death.
The ADC said the step was necessary to ensure public confidence in the outcome of any investigation into the incident.
The party made the demands in a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to the party, the death of a citizen within the residence of a serving cabinet minister is a matter of public concern that requires transparency and accountability.
It said several questions remained unanswered, particularly regarding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence and the events that preceded her death.
The ADC maintained that only an investigation conducted independently of the Executive arm of government could establish the facts and restore confidence in public institutions.
“We therefore call for an independent investigation that is completely removed from the control or influence of the Executive.
“This inquiry must include a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of Ms Habila’s death and a public report of its findings,” the statement said.
The party warned that conducting anything less than an independent investigation could deepen public suspicion and further reduce trust in government institutions.
It also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to subject senior officials facing serious allegations to independent scrutiny.
The ADC alleged that the government had consistently protected political appointees whenever controversies involving them emerged, describing the situation as “scandal insurance” for public office holders.
“The Tinubu administration appears more eager to defend reputations than to establish facts and submit to accountability,” Abdullahi said.
The opposition party stressed that the matter was beyond political differences, arguing that the death of a young woman inside the home of a serving minister required a high level of openness.
It therefore reiterated its demand that Umahi should step aside until an independent investigation into the matter is completed.
“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 added.
The ADC further warned that failure by President Tinubu to ensure accountability would strengthen public belief that the administration shields senior officials from scrutiny.
The party said Nigerians deserved clarity on the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, while her family deserved justice.
It also expressed sympathy to Habila’s relatives and urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation with the findings made available to the public.
Habila’s death drew national attention following reports that the physiotherapist died in unclear circumstances at the Ebonyi residence of the Minister of Works.
Following the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Command transferred the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), while the actual cause of death remains undetermined.
Umahi has denied any involvement in any wrongdoing, stating that there was no effort to hide the incident.
The minister explained that Habila was among medical personnel attached to the Federal Ministry of Works and said he advised her family to approve an autopsy to establish the cause of death.
The development has continued to generate demands from opposition groups and civil society organisations for an independent inquiry.
