July 17, 2026
The Arewa Women Forum for Justice and Good Governance has appealed to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support an independent investigation into the death of Mary Habila, saying a transparent process is necessary to uncover the truth behind the incident.
In a petition addressed to the UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, the group’s founder, Aisha Bada, said an impartial inquiry would help establish the facts surrounding Habila’s death while reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.
According to the forum, the investigation should be guided strictly by forensic evidence, witness accounts and due legal process. It also urged investigators to examine every relevant lead objectively, including previous allegations that have been made publicly against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, insisting that no conclusion should be reached without credible evidence.
The organisation further recommended the creation of an independent investigative panel made up of appropriate Nigerian agencies, with the involvement of international observers where necessary. It also called for extensive forensic examinations, including an autopsy and toxicology analysis, adequate protection for witnesses and members of the deceased’s family, and the prosecution of anyone found responsible through lawful procedures.
The petition was copied to several institutions, among them UN Women, the African Union Commission, the ECOWAS Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Police Command says its investigation into Habila’s death remains ongoing. Police disclosed that detectives have visited the scene, taken statements from key witnesses and recommended a forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. However, the examination has yet to take place after the deceased’s father reportedly withheld consent, citing cultural and family considerations.
Responding to the controversy, David Umahi has consistently denied any link to Habila’s death, maintaining that she was “like a daughter” to him and that he has nothing to conceal. The minister has nevertheless requested that the Nigeria Police carry out a forensic autopsy before her remains are released for burial and has also asked that the investigation be transferred to Abuja in the interest of transparency.
Umahi also dismissed earlier reports describing Habila as a physiotherapist, stating that she was a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences. He added that she had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed medical condition prior to her death.
Authorities have continued with the investigation, with the outcome expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
