Northern Youths Demand Umahi’s Suspension Over Habila’s Death, Threaten Protest

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called for the immediate suspension and resignation of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, following the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.

The group warned that it would embark on nationwide protests if the Federal Government fails to act within seven days.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National President, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the council said Umahi should step aside to allow what it described as an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

The NYCN also urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite the minister for questioning and called for an independent autopsy to determine the cause of death.

While acknowledging Umahi’s public call for an autopsy, the council insisted that any investigation must be free from the minister’s influence.

The group said it was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, describing the incident as suspicious.

According to the statement, reports in the public domain indicate that Habila died at the private residence of the minister in Uburu, Ebonyi State. It also referenced allegations circulating online claiming she was found lifeless with visible injuries, stressing that such claims require a thorough and transparent investigation.

“A healthy, vibrant 26-year-old young woman doesn’t simply drop dead under such conditions. Under any functional system of law, a death occurring under the roof of a high-profile political figure warrants immediate police detention, questioning, and an uncompromised, transparent criminal inquiry.

“If the Federal Government fails to suspend Senator Dave Umahi and initiate a credible, uncompromised prosecution process within the next seven days, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, in active partnership with allied Civil Society Organisations and youth structures across the federation, will mobilise and shut down major public spaces in continuous, nationwide protests.

“We will occupy the streets of Abuja, Kaduna and Ebonyi State in daily protests until Umahi resigns or is removed to face the full wrath of the law. We will not stand by and watch the life of another young Nigerian woman become a footnote in what we believe are attempts at a cover-up,” the group said.