Northern Youths Give Umahi Seven-day Ultimatum to Resign over Death of Mary Habila

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to resign over the death of Mary Habila, a 26-year-old physiotherapist.

In a statement issued Wednesday and signed by National President Isah Abubakar, the group said the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death must be subjected to an independent and transparent investigation, and that Umahi should step aside while it is conducted.

—“Suspend and question”—

The NYCN called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend Umahi from office and for the Nigeria Police Force to invite him for questioning as part of its probe.

“A death occurring in the residence of a public office holder should be thoroughly investigated in line with the law to establish the facts,” Abubakar said.

The group said it is acting in solidarity with civil society organisations and youth groups across the country. Its demands, it stressed, are “non-negotiable.”

—The case of Mary Habila—

According to Abubakar, reports in the public domain indicate that Habila died at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

The NYCN said various allegations circulating on social media should not be left to speculation but verified through a lawful investigation.

The council is specifically demanding:
– An independent and transparent autopsy to determine the cause of death
– Examination of all relevant medical and forensic evidence
– A criminal investigation without interference and in line with due process

Abubakar acknowledged Umahi’s recent public call for an autopsy, but said the process must be handled independently of the minister’s office.

—Threat of nationwide protests—

The NYCN warned that failure to act within seven days will trigger mass action.

“If the Federal Government fails to suspend Senator Dave Umahi and initiate what we consider a credible investigation within the next seven days, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, alongside allied civil society organisations and youth groups, will organise nationwide protests,” the statement read.

The group said it would mobilise in major cities across Nigeria.

–‘Call for accountability—

The NYCN maintained that the matter must be pursued to a logical conclusion.

“The matter should be thoroughly investigated and that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Abubakar said.

As of press time, the Ministry of Works and the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official response to the ultimatum.

The death of Habila has continued to generate reactions online, with calls for transparency growing louder across civil society and youth platforms.