Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the Federal Government not to allow the deaths of Mary Habila, a domestic staff member of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Babatunde Tanimola to be ignored.
Falana called on the Inspector-General of Police to take over investigations into the cases and ensure a speedy autopsy in Habila’s case, stressing the need for transparency in handling suspicious deaths.
The senior lawyer made the call in a statement on Monday titled, “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet.”
He maintained that every suspicious death, especially those with possible political connections, must be thoroughly investigated by independent authorities.
“The right to life is the most basic human right. Without it, other rights cannot be enjoyed by any person. On account of the sanctity of human life, the following cases of suspicious deaths must be thoroughly investigated,” Falana stated.
Falana expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of Habila, who was found dead and unclad on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of Minister Umahi in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The lawyer questioned the handling of the matter despite Umahi’s denial of any wrongdoing and his claim that Habila had an existing medical condition and that the incident was reported to the police.
Falana also faulted the delay in conducting an autopsy after the Nigeria Police Force declined a request by Habila’s father for the release of her body for burial.
He alleged that the scene of the incident was compromised after the minister handled Habila’s phone to communicate with her boyfriend.
According to him, while the deceased’s father had rejected an autopsy request through a sworn affidavit and demanded the release of the body, the police had failed to provide an explanation for the delay in conducting the examination.
Falana insisted that the authorities must ensure a credible and independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.