The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to step aside over the circumstances surrounding the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, warning that it would embark on nationwide protests if its demands are not met.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Isah Abubakar, the group called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into Habila’s death, insisting that justice must not only be done but also be seen to have been done.
The council demanded an independent autopsy to establish the exact cause of death, stressing that the process must be free from external influence to guarantee public confidence in the outcome.
According to the NYCN, the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death warrant a comprehensive investigation, particularly following reports that she died at a residence linked to the Minister of Works in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The group urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts surrounding the incident and ensuring that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
“The circumstances surrounding the death require a transparent investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability where necessary,” the statement said.
The youth body warned that failure to meet its demands within seven days would trigger coordinated peaceful protests in Abuja, Kaduna and Ebonyi State.
It said it would mobilise its members alongside allied civil society organisations to press for what it described as justice for the late physiotherapist.
The latest development comes amid growing public interest in the case.
Senator Umahi has repeatedly called for a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the cause of Habila’s death, while investigations by security agencies are still ongoing.
