The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and order an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist reportedly found dead at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
The opposition party said suspending the minister pending the outcome of an impartial probe would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the APM said only a transparent and independent investigation could unravel the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death and restore public confidence.
The party argued that allowing Umahi to remain in office while questions over the incident remain unanswered could erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption and accountability agenda.
According to the APM, conflicting reports surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death have fuelled public concern, including accounts of how she was taken to the minister’s residence, the circumstances of her death and allegations that her family was pressured to bury her without an autopsy.
The party also referred to media reports claiming that Habila was allegedly brought from Kaduna State to Ebonyi on June 26, 2026, by an aide to the minister alongside another woman, and was reportedly found dead the following day.
It said an independent inquiry should establish why Habila was at the residence, what transpired before her death, why the incident was not immediately made public and whether there were attempts to conceal relevant facts.
The APM further noted that public concern had deepened following the circulation of a viral video in which another woman allegedly made claims of sexual harassment linked to the same residence.
It urged President Tinubu to prove that no public official is above the law by ensuring a credible, transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.
The party also condoled with the family of Mary Habila and pledged to continue demanding accountability and justice over the incident.
