By Jelili Gbadamosi
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, has called on the Federal Government to ensure an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, a domestic staff of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, insisting that the case must not be swept under the carpet.
Falana made the demand in a statement on Monday titled, “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet,” in which he urged the Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation and ensure that a prompt autopsy is conducted.
He also called for transparent investigations into the death of Babatunde Tanimola and other suspected politically motivated killings in Osun State, stressing that every suspicious death deserves a thorough and impartial probe.
“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 said.
The senior lawyer expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death after she was found dead and unclad on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Although Umahi has denied any foul play, maintaining that the deceased had an existing medical condition and that the incident was reported to the police, Falana questioned the handling of the case.
He alleged that the scene may have been compromised after the minister reportedly handled the deceased’s phone to speak with her boyfriend.
Falana also criticised the delay in conducting an autopsy despite the Nigeria Police Force rejecting a request by Habila’s father to release the body for burial.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served through a transparent and independent investigation, warning that no suspicious death should be overlooked because of the status of those connected to it.
