The Nigerian Women International Alliance has urged President Bola Tinubu to oversee a transparent and highly credible investigation into the tragic passing of Mary Habila, a physiotherapist. Her death, which occurred at the home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has drawn significant public attention and anxiety.
In an open letter dated July 13, 2026, signed by the alliance’s leadership, the group emphasized that a meticulous and objective inquiry is essential. They noted that even with preliminary investigations underway, an unbiased look at the facts is necessary to maintain public trust in the legal system. The alliance clarified that its call for action is not an accusation of wrongdoing, acknowledging that every citizen has a constitutional right to the presumption of innocence and a fair process.
However, they pointed out that individuals holding high public offices carry a greater responsibility to welcome open scrutiny when serious situations arise. The organization also mentioned that its appeal was partly influenced by past public discussions and complaints connected to the minister, though they carefully emphasized that these previous claims remain unproven rumors rather than established facts.
Meanwhile, the minister has strongly denied any secrecy surrounding the incident. Speaking on Monday during an inspection of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar-Abuja superhighway, Umahi explained that it was the woman’s family who initially broke open her door out of concern and rushed her to the hospital, rejecting any narrative that her passing was hidden.
He explained that the situation was immediately reported to law enforcement and that he had ordered a post-mortem examination with the agreement of her parents. According to the minister, after her relatives opened the door, they brought in medical professionals from the local university teaching hospital, though efforts to revive her were ultimately unsuccessful. Umahi, who praised the deceased as a highly dedicated hospital employee, added that he has instructed his legal team to sue those spreading what he called malicious fabrications about the event. He also stated that her parents are currently in the state and plan to speak to the press while pursuing their own legal actions against anyone distributing false reports.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
