The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has given the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, a seven-day ultimatum to step aside over the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila, warning that it will embark on nationwide protests if its demands are not met.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the group called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend the minister to allow what it described as an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
The council also urged the Nigeria Police Force to invite and question Umahi, arguing that the circumstances of the incident require a transparent criminal investigation.
According to the NYCN, reports circulating in the public domain indicate that Habila died at Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, adding that allegations surrounding the circumstances of her death have heightened public concern.
The group further demanded an independent autopsy, insisting that the examination should be conducted transparently to establish the cause of death and determine whether foul play was involved.
The council said an investigation conducted under the influence of any interested party would not inspire public confidence.
Issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, the NYCN warned that it would mobilise its members and allied civil society organisations for sustained nationwide protests if Umahi was neither suspended nor subjected to what it described as a credible and uncompromised investigation within the stipulated period.
It said the planned demonstrations would be held in Abuja, Kaduna and Ebonyi State, among
