The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for independent investigation into the death of Ms. Mary Habila, a young physiotherapist found dead at the private residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
In a scathing press statement released on July 15, 2026, the opposition party characterized the incident as a litmus test for public accountability, demanding that the Minister step aside to ensure an impartial inquiry.
The controversy centers on the discovery of Ms. Habila’s body on June 27 at the Minister’s home in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
While the Minister has described the death as a “private tragedy” and insisted on his transparency, the ADC argues that the circumstances— occurring within the home of a serving cabinet member—render it a matter of urgent public interest.
ADC Alleges “Cabinet of Cover-ups”
Signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC statement accused the President Bola Tinubu administration of operating a “system of scandal insurance” for
its senior officials.
The party questioned the nature of Ms. Habila’s presence at the Minister’s residence and why a staff member of a federal university was reportedly residing in a private home.
“A minister of the Federal Republic cannot have a murder-related scandal hanging on his neck and still carry on with business as usual,” the statement read.
“If President Tinubu refuses to insist on this elementary principle, then Nigerians will be left with only one conclusion: that his administration has become a Cabinet of Cover-ups.”
The ADC is demanding a full autopsy and public report conducted by investigative body entirely removed from Executive influence, asserting that “proximity to power appears to guarantee protection from accountability” under the current government.
Minister Denies Secrecy, Vows Legal Action
Senator David Umahi has vigorously dismissed the allegations of a cover-up, describing them as “misleading” and “false.”
In a public address during an inspection of the CalabarAbuja Superhighway, the Minister maintained that there was no attempt to conceal the incident.
He stated that Ms. Habila’s family members were the ones who discovered her unresponsive and that the medical personnel from the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) were immediately summoned.
Umahi further clarified that the matter was promptly reported to the police and that he has personally advocated for a comprehensive autopsy to scientifically establish the cause of death.
He also announced that he has instructed his legal team to initiate proceedings against those spreading “viral social media reports” that he claims are intended to defame his reputation.
Contradictory Accounts and Ongoing Probe
Despite the Minister’s assurances, reports from police investigators and opposition figures suggest a more complex situation marked by significant discrepancies.
While Senator Umahi maintains that Ms. Habila was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital seconded to his residence, investigative reports allege she was actually brought from Kaduna State specifically for private service just a day before her death.
The circumstances of the discovery also remain a point of contention. Umahi’s account states that her family found her and doctors were called immediately to attempt resuscitation.
Conversely, leaked investigative details describe the scene as “mysterious,”
with reports indicating the deceased was found without clothing.
Furthermore, while the Minister claims transparency and points to the fact that the police were notified, the opposition continues to demand an independent probe, insisting that Umahi must step aside to prevent any interference.
Even on the matter of the autopsy, a divide exists: the Minister asserts he supports the procedure but claims the family initially declined, while police investigators have reportedly rejected requests to release the body for burial, insisting that forensic integrity must be maintained until the investigation is
complete.
As the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) continues its probe, the case has ignited a national debate over the conduct of public officials and the sanctity of human life.
The Habila family, currently in Ebonyi, has yet to issue a definitive public statement, though they are expected to address the media following conclusion of forensic examinations. For now, the body remains in custody as the investigators prioritize the pursuit of truth over political convenience.
