Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called for a coroner's inquest into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist Mary Habila, who was found dead at the Ebonyi residence of Minister of Works David Umahi last month.
In a public statement, Sowore insisted that the circumstances surrounding Habila's death warranted a thorough, independent and transparent investigation before her burial, pointing to what he described as unanswered questions about why she was at the minister's residence.
"There MUST be a coroner's inquest into the death of Mary Habila at the residence of Tinubu's Minister of Works, David Umahi.
"Given the mysterious manner of her death and unanswered questions about the circumstances of her presence at the Minister's home, it is in the interest of justice that all appropriate investigative and forensic procedures, including, where required by law, an autopsy and any other relevant inquiries, be completed before Mary Habila is buried," he said.
Sowore also alleged that Habila died with blood flowing from her mouth, which he said suggested an unnatural cause of death.
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He further referenced previous unresolved allegations involving the minister, including what he described as the unexplained deaths of five NELAN engineers.
He warned against any hurried burial, saying it could compromise the investigation.
Habila, born on 18 September 2000, died on 27 June 2026 at the minister's official residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Reports that her body was found unclothed when it was removed from the premises have fuelled public outrage and calls for transparency.
Umahi confirmed that Habila had died at his residence and said she was a physiotherapist seconded from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences to the Federal Ministry of Works.
He said he had requested a comprehensive autopsy and urged that investigations be allowed to run their full course.
Police, on the other hand, have also stated that an autopsy is necessary as part of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the family announced that Habila's funeral service will be held on Friday, 17 July 2026, at 10:00 am at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Nok, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
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