Mary Habiba: NYCN Gives Umahi Ultimatum To Resign, 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.

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, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident require a transparent criminal investigation.

According to the NYCN, reports in the public domain indicate that Habila died at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, adding that allegations surrounding the incident have fuelled public concern.

The council further demanded that an independent autopsy be carried out to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.

It maintained that any investigation conducted under the influence of interested parties would lack credibility and fail to inspire public confidence.

The NYCN gave the Federal Government seven days to suspend the minister and ensure what it described as a credible and impartial investigation, warning that failure to do so would trigger sustained nationwide protests.

The group said the planned demonstrations would take place in Abuja, Kaduna, Ebonyi State and other parts of the country until its demands were met.

Part of the statement read: “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend Senator Dave Umahi from his position as the Minister of Works. An active cabinet minister cannot be undergoing investigation for potential homicide while retaining the immense power, immunity and influence of his office.

“He must step down to ensure that the police and independent investigators can work without intimidation or interference.

“The Nigeria Police Force must immediately take Senator Dave Umahi into custody for thorough questioning. Justice must not be selective. If a similar tragedy occurred in the home of an ordinary, impoverished citizen, that individual would immediately be behind bars as the primary suspect.

“While we acknowledge the Minister’s recent public statements demanding an autopsy, we reject any investigation conducted under his influence or within facilities tied to his administration.

“We demand an independent, internationally witnessed autopsy to scientifically determine the exact cause of Mary Habila’s death, including whether there were signs of physical violence, sexual assault or forced substance ingestion.”