Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Federal Government not to sweep the case of the deaths of Mary Habila, domestic staff of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and that of Babatunde Tanimola under the carpet.
This was as he urged the Inspector-General of Police to take over investigations, asking for a speedy autopsy in Habila’s case.
He charged authorities to ensure transparent probes into politically motivated killings in Osun State, arguing that every suspicious death deserves a thorough and independent investigation.
The senior lawyer made the demands in a statement on Monday titled, “These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet.”
“The right to life is the most basic human right. Without it, other rights cannot be enjoyed by any person. On account of the sanctity of human life, the following cases of suspicious deaths must be thoroughly investigated”, Falana said.
He said he was worried over the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, who was found dead and unclad on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the minister in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Falana questioned the handling of the case even though Umahi has publicly denied any foul play, insisting that the deceased had an existing medical condition and that the matter was reported to the police.
The senior lawyer equally criticized the delay in conducting an autopsy after the Nigeria Police Force rejected a request by Habila’s father to release the body for burial.
“Even though the Minister has denied any foul play or cover-up, stating she had an existing medical condition and that the matter was reported to the police, the minister contaminated the scene of the incident by handling her phone to speak with her boyfriend.
“In a sworn affidavit, the father of the deceased rejected an autopsy and requested the release of the body for burial. While the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have turned down the request of the father of the deceased, they have failed to explain the delay in carrying out the autopsy,” Falana said.
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