Group demands Umahi’s suspension, probe over nurse’s controversial death

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has called for the immediate suspension and investigation of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the controversial death of a Kaduna-born nurse, Mary Habila.

The group also demanded the arrest of Umahi's former Aide-de-Camp (ADC), alleging that he had a role in the circumstances leading to the nurse's death.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the assembly alleged that Habila died under suspicious circumstances at a residence linked to the minister.

The group claimed the circumstances surrounding her death warranted a comprehensive investigation, but did not provide evidence to support the allegations. Umahi has also not publicly responded to the claims.

AYA urged the Nigeria Police Force to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice, regardless of position or status.

It also insisted that the deceased should not be buried until an independent forensic autopsy had been conducted to establish the exact cause of death.

The group called on the Kaduna State Government and the state Ministry of Justice to monitor the investigation and ensure that justice was served for the deceased.

It further urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Umahi from the Federal Executive Council pending the outcome of investigations, saying such a move would reinforce public confidence in the government's commitment to accountability.

The assembly also appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation to institute a coroner's inquest into the death.

"The death of Mary Habila must be thoroughly investigated, and everyone connected with the case should be subjected to due process. No individual should be considered above the law," the statement said.

AYA vowed to continue demanding justice for the deceased until the circumstances surrounding her death were fully uncovered.

Daily Trust could not independently verify the allegations contained in the statement, while there has been no official statement from the minister or the Nigeria Police on the claims as of the time of filing this report.