By Palang Paul
The Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Groups has given Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, five days to step aside over the death of Mary Habila and demanded an independent forensic investigation.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held on Thursday July 16th 2026 in Abuja, where the coalition also called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the minister to temporarily relinquish office to ensure a credible investigation.
The coalition said its position followed a review of publicly available information and the legal advice issued by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, which recommended further investigation into the controversial death of the 26-year-old physiotherapist.
According to the group, the legal advice by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions identified unresolved issues surrounding Habila’s death, including reports that she was found lifeless, unclothed and with blood around her nose and mouth despite having no known medical condition before her death.
Describing the circumstances as disturbing, the coalition insisted that only an independent forensic autopsy and transparent criminal investigation could establish the true cause of death and restore public confidence in the process.
The group argued that an autopsy is a scientific procedure aimed at uncovering the cause of death and should not be viewed as an indictment of any individual.
It also dismissed reports that Habila’s family sought to bury her without an autopsy, insisting that no private individual has the legal authority to halt a criminal investigation where the cause of death remains uncertain.
The coalition further urged investigators to examine allegations of possible interference with witnesses or members of Habila’s family, stressing that any credible evidence of obstruction of justice must be thoroughly investigated.
While maintaining that it was not declaring anyone guilty, the group said its demand was rooted in the principles of due process, accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
It warned that if Umahi fails to voluntarily step aside within five days, it would mobilise Nigerians for peaceful protests in the Federal Capital Territory to demand justice for Mary Habila.
The coalition also called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, professional bodies and other Nigerians to support its demand for accountability, insisting that the case has become a national test of justice and equality before the law.
Habila died on June 27 at Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State. The Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that an autopsy is necessary before her body can be released for burial, while the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions also recommended a forensic post-mortem examination.
Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, endorsed the conduct of a comprehensive autopsy and urged the public to allow security agencies to conclude their investigation.
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