The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has intensified pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, pending an independent investigation into the controversial death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist whose body was reportedly discovered at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
The opposition party said the President’s response to the incident would serve as a critical test of his administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law, insisting that no public office holder should remain above scrutiny when serious allegations have generated widespread public concern.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, APM argued that permitting Umahi to remain in the Federal Executive Council while questions continue to surround the incident could undermine public confidence in government institutions and weaken the administration’s anti-corruption and accountability credentials.
According to the party, the Presidency’s silence on the matter has only deepened public suspicion, making it imperative for President Tinubu to act swiftly by directing an open, transparent and independent investigation while temporarily relieving the minister of his official duties.
“Our party holds that the continued stay of Engr. Dave Umahi in the Federal Executive Council and the silence of the Presidency despite the minister’s alleged connection with the incident cast a huge blight on the nation and risk eroding public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life,” the statement read.
APM said its position was informed by growing public anxiety over conflicting narratives surrounding Habila’s presence at the minister’s residence, the events leading to her death and reports alleging that members of her family were pressured to proceed with her burial before a forensic autopsy could be conducted.
The party also cited media reports claiming that Habila travelled from Kaduna State to Ebonyi on June 26, 2026, with one of the minister’s aides and another woman before she was reportedly found dead the following day.
It urged investigators to establish the exact sequence of events, determine what transpired within the residence before her death and clarify reports that the minister allegedly left the premises shortly after medical personnel arrived.
The opposition party further questioned why the incident remained unknown to the public until weeks later when it surfaced through an investigative report, arguing that the delay had fuelled suspicion and heightened demands for transparency.
APM also pointed to a viral video in which another woman allegedly accused unnamed individuals of sexual harassment at the same residence, describing the allegation as another reason why investigators must be allowed to conduct a comprehensive and independent inquiry without interference.
The party maintained that suspending Umahi during the investigation would not amount to a declaration of guilt but would demonstrate the government’s commitment to allowing justice to take its course without the perception of official influence.
It added that only a transparent investigation could establish the facts surrounding Mary Habila’s death, provide justice for her family and reassure Nigerians that all citizens are equal before the law.
APM extended its condolences to the deceased’s family and pledged to continue demanding accountability until the circumstances surrounding her death are fully uncovered.
The allegations raised by the party have not been independently verified. Minister of Works David Umahi has previously denied any involvement in Mary Habila’s death and has publicly supported calls for a forensic autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.