The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to resign over the controversial death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.
The group said Umahi should not remain in office while calls for a criminal investigation into the circumstances of Habila’s death continue.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the council also demanded Umahi’s immediate suspension and urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite and question the minister over the incident.
The NYCN warned that it would stage nationwide protests if the Federal Government failed to act within seven days, describing its demands as non-negotiable.
The group also called for an independent and internationally monitored autopsy to determine the exact cause of Habila’s death, insisting that any investigation linked to the minister or his administration would lack credibility.
According to the council, reports indicate that Habila died inside Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, under what it described as suspicious circumstances.
The NYCN further cited allegations that the deceased was found naked and with visible injuries, saying the claims require a transparent criminal investigation to establish the facts.
The council argued that the death of a young woman in the residence of a serving public official should automatically trigger a thorough police investigation and accused authorities of delaying justice.
It warned that if the Federal Government failed to suspend the minister and begin what it called a credible investigation within seven days, it would mobilise sustained protests in Abuja, Kaduna and Ebonyi State until its demands are met.
The ultimatum comes amid growing public calls from civil society organisations and other groups for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death.
