The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and institute what it described as an open, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist reportedly found dead at the minister’s residence in Ebonyi State.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the opposition party argued that allowing the minister to remain in office while questions continue to trail the incident could undermine public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

 

The party maintained that the Presidency’s silence over the matter and the minister’s continued stay in office had fuelled public concern and heightened suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Habila’s death.

 

According to the APM, the President should act swiftly to protect the integrity of his administration and reassure Nigerians that no public official is above the law.

 

“Our party holds that the continued stay of Engr. Dave Umahi in the Federal Executive Council and the silence of the Presidency despite the minister’s alleged connection with the incident cast a huge blight on the nation and risk eroding public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice, accountability and the sanctity of human life,” the statement read.

 

The party said its demand followed growing public apprehension over what it described as conflicting accounts regarding Habila’s arrival at the residence, the circumstances of her death and allegations that her family was pressured to bury her without an autopsy.

 

APM also referred to media reports alleging that Habila was brought from Kaduna State to Ebonyi by one of the minister’s aides alongside another woman on June 26, 2026, and was reportedly found dead the following morning.

 

The party urged investigators to establish whether the reports were accurate and to determine what transpired inside the residence before Habila’s death.

 

It also called for clarification on reports that the minister allegedly left the residence shortly after medical personnel arrived and questioned why the incident was not made public until it surfaced through an investigative media report weeks later.

 

The opposition party said the independent inquiry should address what it described as legitimate public concerns, including whether there were attempts to conceal relevant facts surrounding the incident.

 

APM further cited the emergence of a viral video in which another woman allegedly accused unnamed individuals of sexual harassment at the same residence, insisting that the allegation underscored the need for a transparent investigation.

 

The party stressed that suspending the minister while investigations are ongoing would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to accountability and equal application of the law.

 

It added that only an impartial and independent probe could establish the facts, ensure justice for Mary Habila and restore public confidence in government institutions.

 

APM expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and pledged to continue advocating for what it described as justice and accountability in the matter.

 

The allegations contained in the APM statement have not been independently verified, and the Minister of Works has not publicly responded to the claims contained in the statement.