Mary Habila death: ADC demands independent investigation, asks Umahi to step aside

Mary Habila death has sparked fresh political controversy as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported death of Ms. Mary Habila at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the incident raises serious questions of public accountability, insisting that the death of a citizen in the home of a serving cabinet minister should not be treated as a private matter.
The opposition party said several questions remain unanswered, including the nature of Mary Habila’s official assignment, why she was staying at the minister’s private residence, the exact circumstances surrounding her death, and what investigators have established so far.
According to the ADC, only a transparent and independent investigation, free from the influence of the Executive, can restore public confidence in the matter.
The party also called for a comprehensive autopsy to determine the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death and urged authorities to make the findings of the investigation public.
ADC argued that anything short of an independent probe would deepen public suspicion and further weaken confidence in government institutions.
The party further alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly shielded senior government officials whenever serious allegations arise against them, rather than allowing independent scrutiny.
It described the latest controversy as part of what it called a growing pattern of “cover-ups,” alleging that political loyalty has often taken precedence over transparency and accountability.
The ADC also called on Senator David Umahi to temporarily step aside from office while an independent investigation is conducted, arguing that such a move would help ensure public confidence in the process.
The party maintained that public office holders should not remain in office when faced with serious allegations capable of undermining public trust until investigations are concluded.
Expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased, the ADC said Mary Habila deserves justice, while her family deserves the truth about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The statement concluded that accountability remains the foundation of democratic governance and urged the authorities to ensure a credible, transparent and independent investigation into the Mary Habila death.