…Human rights lawyer warns against cover-ups

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for urgent and thorough investigations into a series of controversial deaths across Nigeria, warning that they must not be ignored or “swept under the carpet.”

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stressed that the right to life remains the most fundamental of all rights, as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He noted that any violation of this right must be strictly addressed within the confines of the law.

Citing specific cases, Falana raised concerns over the death of Mary Habila, a young woman found dead under unclear circumstances on June 27, 2026, in a residence linked to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

While Umahi has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the death to a medical condition and stating that the matter was reported to the Nigeria Police Force, Falana questioned aspects of the handling of the scene.

He also expressed concern over delays in conducting an autopsy, despite police refusal to release the body at the request of the deceased’s family.

Falana urged the Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation and called on the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that an autopsy is carried out without further delay.

The senior lawyer also referenced the reported death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, a key suspect in an alleged “fake agency” scandal, who was said to have died in a fire incident at a hotel in Abuja in October 2025. Authorities claimed the death was confirmed through hospital and mortuary records, as well as interviews with relatives.

However, Falana questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly reports that the hotel where the fire occurred had since been demolished. He suggested that such action could amount to a cover-up and called for a fresh investigation, again urging the police hierarchy to intervene.

In addition, Falana drew attention to ongoing investigations into politically motivated killings linked to the upcoming governorship election in Osun State.

The police, through spokesperson CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed that dozens of cases were under investigation, with several suspects already arrested.

Falana called on the Osun State Attorney-General to ensure that those implicated are promptly charged before the High Court.

He further noted that Coroner Laws in states such as Ebonyi and Osun, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory, mandate inquests into sudden or suspicious deaths.

He urged the media and civil society to intensify calls for accountability in such cases.

“The sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times. These deaths must be properly investigated and not allowed to fade into obscurity,” Falana said.