The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to step aside over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, warning that it will embark on nationwide protests if its demands are not met.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the council called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend Umahi to allow what it described as an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The group also urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite and question the minister, arguing that the incident requires a transparent criminal investigation.
According to the NYCN and reports by SAHARA REPORTER indicate that Habila died at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, adding that allegations surrounding her death have heightened public concern.
The council further demanded an independent autopsy, insisting that it should be conducted transparently to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.
It argued that any investigation carried out under the influence of interested parties would not inspire public confidence.
The group warned that it would mobilise its members and allied civil society organisations for sustained nationwide protests if the minister was neither suspended nor subjected to what it described as a credible and independent investigation within seven days.
According to the council, demonstrations would be staged in Abuja, Kaduna, Ebonyi State and other locations until its demands are met.
The NYCN maintained that allowing a serving cabinet minister under investigation to remain in office could undermine the integrity of the investigative process.
It also argued that justice should apply equally to all citizens, regardless of status, and called for an internationally supervised autopsy to determine the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, including whether there were signs of physical violence, sexual assault or forced substance ingestion.
