The Nigerian Women International Alliance (NWIA) has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, demanding a transparent, independent, and credible investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the country home of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
The group’s demand, contained in a petition dated July 13, 2026, comes amid mounting public concern and wild speculations on social media regarding the circumstances of the young woman’s passing.
However, Senator Umahi has strongly dismissed any allegations of foul play or concealment.
The minister stated that emergency protocols were followed immediately, the police were notified, and he has threatened swift legal action against anyone spreading “defamatory falsehoods” about the tragedy.
Probe how Mary Habila passed – NWIA
In the joint letter signed by NWIA President Mrs Omolara Abike, Vice President Mrs Ogonna Chiedum, and Secretary Dr Mariam Adeosun, the alliance stressed that an uncompromised probe is crucial to preserving public faith in the justice system.
While emphasising that they are not proclaiming anyone guilty, the group insisted that high-ranking public officials must submit themselves to transparent scrutiny.
“The reported death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist, at the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works has generated significant public concern and deserves a thorough, independent, professional, and transparent investigation,” the petition reads. “Every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and the protection of due process. However, the higher the public office, the greater the obligation to submit to transparent scrutiny.”
The NWIA called on the Federal Government to ensure:
Forensic Preservation: Strict preservation and examination of physical and forensic evidence, including an independent autopsy report.
Witness Protection: Protection for all witnesses and complainants from potential harassment or intimidation.
Zero Interference: A guarantee from the Presidency that the police investigation will proceed entirely without political interference.
The alliance warned that failing to address the public’s anxiety openly could severely dent Nigeria’s reputation for the rule of law and erode public trust in governance.
“Where is the Secrecy?” — Umahi defends actions, vows legal war
In a quick reaction on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an inspection of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja superhighway, Senator Umahi passionately defended himself against online accusations.
According to the Minister, Miss Habila—who was a dedicated employee of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS), Uburu, on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works—was found unresponsive inside her room in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS (AS REPORTED BY SENATOR UMAHI)
- Concern Arises: Miss Habila fails to emerge from her room.
- Door Forced: Relatives break open her door.
- Medical Emergency: DUFUS doctors are called; she is rushed to the hospital but cannot be revived.
- Police Notified: The incident is immediately reported to local law enforcement.
- Autopsy Proposed: Minister suggests autopsy, awaiting final parental consent.
“The family broke the girl’s door, called doctors from the university teaching hospital, who took her to the hospital and did everything to revive her, but failed,” Umahi explained. “The family reported the matter to the police, so where is the secrecy?”
The Minister added that he had personally met with the deceased’s parents and encouraged them to authorise an autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of death. While the family initially declined, Umahi maintained that an autopsy remains the most transparent and credible path forward.
Umahi condemned those he described as “evil people” using social media to manipulate the tragedy, stating that his legal team has been fully instructed to sue those propagating defamatory reports.
He further indicated that the deceased’s parents would soon address the press to clear the air and initiate their own legal proceedings against rumour-mongers.
