ABUJA, Nigeria — The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has declared that calls for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, following the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, are premature and unjustified.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, the group urged Nigerians to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conclude their ongoing investigations into the incident.
Habila, a physiotherapist attached to the minister, passed away on June 27, 2026, under circumstances that are currently subject to a police probe. The incident prompted various political figures and pressure groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to demand Umahi’s immediate suspension or resignation to ensure an uncompromised investigation.
Ohanaeze, however, cautioned against prejudging the minister before the police establish the facts. The group said, “The death of such a young and promising Nigerian is a tragedy to all men and women of good conscience. We urge Nigerians to treat the matter with compassion. They should desist from comments capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation.”
The socio-cultural body further warned politicians and public commentators against exploiting the young woman’s death for political leverage. “Matters involving the loss of human life should never be exploited for political advantage or sectional interests. Such conduct neither serves the cause of justice nor honours the memory of the deceased,” the group added.
Umahi has previously maintained his innocence regarding the lady’s death, describing the late Habila as being “like a daughter” to him, while her family has petitioned the Inspector General of Police to expedite the release of her body for funeral arrangements. The case continues to attract public attention, with many Nigerians awaiting the outcome of the police investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. For now, Ohanaeze has called for restraint and patience as the legal process unfolds.
