Pressure is mounting on Minister of Works David Umahi following the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, a member of his medical support team, even as several groups insist it is too early to demand his resignation before police complete their investigation.
Habila, who was pronounced dead upon arrival at the David Umahi Teaching Hospital after being found unconscious on the morning of 27th June 2026 at Umahi's residence in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been variously described as a nurse, physiotherapist and member of the minister's medical support staff.
More recent accounts from people close to the case, including Umahi's supporters, identify her as a nurse attached to the minister and his aides.
The controversy deepened this week after the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria gave Umahi a seven-day ultimatum to resign, arguing that he should step aside while investigations continue.
The group also threatened nationwide protests if he failed to do so.
However, a growing number of organisations have rejected those demands.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said calls for the minister's resignation were "premature and unjustified," urging Nigerians to allow security agencies to conclude their work before drawing conclusions.
The group described Habila's death as tragic but insisted that "a thorough, professional and transparent investigation" must come first.
Similarly, the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance and the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria condemned what they called a "media trial," saying the principle of the presumption of innocence should be respected.
They urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct "a thorough, evidence-based investigation rather than succumbing to public pressure."
The Ebonyi chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria also opposed calls for Umahi's resignation, maintaining that investigations should be allowed to run their course.
Another twist emerged after Habila's family formally opposed an autopsy.
Her father said the family did not want the procedure, insisting they had accepted her death.
The family's position followed reports that Umahi had publicly expressed support for an independent autopsy to help establish the cause of death.
Police have yet to announce the outcome of their investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with Habila's death.
As public debate intensifies, the case has become a test of the balance between demands for political accountability and the principle that investigations should be completed before responsibility is assigned.
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