Mary Habila: Northern Youth Council Gives Umahi Seven-Day Ultimatum, Threatens Nationwide Protest

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 stage nationwide protests if its demands are not met.

The group made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar.

The council called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the minister to allow what it described as an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite and question Umahi, arguing that the incident requires a transparent criminal investigation.

According to the NYCN, reports circulating in the public domain indicate that Habila died at the minister’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, a development it said has generated widespread public concern.

The group further demanded an independent autopsy, insisting that the examination should be conducted transparently to establish the actual cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.

It maintained that any investigation perceived to be under the influence of interested parties would undermine public confidence in the outcome.

The council warned that if the Federal Government failed to suspend Umahi or commence what it described as a credible and independent investigation within seven days, it would mobilise members and allied civil society organisations for sustained nationwide protests.

According to the statement, demonstrations would be held in Abuja, Kaduna, Ebonyi State and other parts of the country until its demands were addressed.

“The leadership of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria is deeply alarmed and outraged by the suspicious circumstances surrounding the sudden demise of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Miss Mary Habila.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend Senator Dave Umahi from his position as the Minister of Works.

“The Nigeria Police Force must immediately take Senator Dave Umahi into custody for thorough questioning.

“We demand an independent, internationally witnessed autopsy to scientifically determine the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death,” the statement partly read.

The council argued that public office should not shield any individual from investigation, stressing that justice must be pursued without fear or favour regardless of status.

The statement comes amid growing public calls for a thorough investigation into Habila’s death, with several groups demanding that the circumstances surrounding the incident be fully examined by relevant authorities.