The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, pending an independent investigation into the controversial death of 26-year-old Mary Habila at his residence, accusing the President Bola Tinubu administration of shielding senior officials from accountability.
The opposition party said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death have become a national issue that can no longer be treated as a private matter, insisting that only an impartial investigation, backed by a forensic autopsy, can establish the truth and restore public confidence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern over what it described as the unresolved and disturbing circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death.
“The African Democratic Congress is deeply disturbed by the unresolved circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ms. Mary Habila, who reportedly died within the residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi,” the party said.
According to the ADC, the death of any Nigerian in the residence of a serving cabinet minister immediately raises issues of public accountability and demands a transparent investigation beyond the control of the Executive.
The party argued that official explanations released so far have failed to answer critical questions surrounding the incident, including the nature of Habila’s assignment, why she was residing in the minister’s private residence, the exact circumstances leading to her death and the findings of investigators.
It maintained that Nigerians deserve facts rather than assurances, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.
The ADC therefore called for an independent inquiry insulated from political influence, insisting that a comprehensive forensic autopsy and the public release of investigative findings are essential to establishing the cause of death and ensuring accountability.
The opposition party also used the incident to launch a broader attack on the Tinubu administration, alleging a pattern of protecting politically exposed persons whenever serious allegations arise.
According to the party, senior government officials continue to retain their positions despite controversies surrounding them, creating the impression that political loyalty now guarantees immunity from accountability.
It warned that the administration appears more committed to protecting reputations than uncovering the truth, describing what it called an entrenched culture of shielding powerful officials from public scrutiny.
Declaring that “this is one scandal too many,” the ADC said the case was no longer merely about alleged misconduct but about the death of a young woman inside the residence of a senior government official.
The party insisted that Senator Umahi should immediately step aside to allow a credible and impartial investigation to proceed without any perception of interference.
It further warned that any refusal by President Bola Tinubu to insist on the minister’s temporary resignation would reinforce public belief that his administration operates what it described as a “Cabinet of Cover-Ups,” where political convenience consistently takes precedence over transparency and accountability.
While extending condolences to Habila’s family, the ADC said the deceased deserved dignity, her relatives deserved the truth and Nigerians deserved a government that recognises accountability as the foundation of public trust.
The party’s demands came amid fresh developments in the case.
Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, at Senator Umahi’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, barely a day after arriving from Kaduna State alongside another woman, Anita Baski.
The matter was initially investigated by the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters before it was transferred to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
Following public attention generated by the incident, Senator Umahi confirmed that Habila died at his residence, describing her as a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works. He also disclosed that he advised the family to permit an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
However, police sources involved in the investigation reportedly disputed aspects of the minister’s account, stating that investigators had not established that Habila and Anita Baski were employees of the university as claimed. Investigators also maintained that an autopsy remained necessary before the body could be released.
The controversy deepened after reports emerged that Habila was allegedly found without clothing when her body was recovered from the minister’s residence, fuelling nationwide calls for a transparent forensic investigation.
Meanwhile, Habila’s father has declined to publicly comment on the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death as preparations continue for her burial in Nok, Kaduna State. Community leaders disclosed that the family had opted against requesting an autopsy before burial.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had not announced the cause of Habila’s death, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.