The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and order an independent investigation into the death of physiotherapist Mary Habila, whose body was reportedly discovered at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said allowing the minister to remain in office while questions continue to surround the incident could weaken public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
The opposition party argued that the Presidency’s silence over the matter, coupled with Umahi’s continued stay in office, has intensified public concern and speculation surrounding the circumstances of Mary Habila’s death.
According to the APM, President Tinubu should take immediate action to safeguard the credibility of his administration and reassure Nigerians that every public official is subject to the law.
The statement maintained that retaining the minister in the Federal Executive Council despite the allegations could damage the administration’s reputation and raise concerns about its commitment to protecting human life and ensuring accountability.
The party said its demand followed growing public interest in reports of conflicting accounts surrounding Habila’s visit to the residence, the circumstances of her death, and allegations that her family was pressured to bury her without an autopsy.
APM also referenced media reports claiming that Mary Habila was allegedly brought from Kaduna State to Ebonyi on June 26, 2026, by one of the minister’s aides alongside another woman before she was reportedly found dead the following day.
The party urged investigators to establish the accuracy of the reports and determine what transpired inside the residence before Habila’s death.
It further called for clarification over reports alleging that the Minister of Works left the residence shortly after medical personnel arrived and questioned why details of the incident only became public weeks later through an investigative report.
According to the party, an independent inquiry should determine whether there were attempts to conceal key facts relating to the incident.
APM also pointed to a viral video in which another woman allegedly made claims of sexual harassment involving unnamed individuals at the same residence, saying the allegation reinforces the need for a transparent and impartial investigation.
The party insisted that temporarily suspending Dave Umahi while investigations are ongoing would demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to accountability and equal justice.
It added that only an independent probe can establish the facts surrounding Mary Habila’s death, deliver justice to her family, and restore public trust in government institutions.
The opposition party extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice and accountability.
As of the time of filing this report, the allegations raised by the APM have not been independently verified, while the Minister of Works has not publicly responded to the claims.
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