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'Don't Sweep Mary Habila, Tanimola's Deaths Under The Carpet,' Falana Asks IGP Disu To Take Over Investigations
'Don't Sweep Mary Habila, Tanimola's Deaths Under The Carpet,' Falana Asks IGP Disu To Take Over Investigations
NEWS
The Nigerian Record
8/4/20263 min read
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to take over investigations into the controversial deaths of a young woman, Mary Habila, and another victim, Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, warning that both cases must not be "swept under the carpet."
Falana also demanded the immediate conduct of an autopsy on Habila's body and urged authorities to ensure transparent investigations into politically motivated killings in Osun State, insisting that every suspicious death must be subjected to an independent probe.
The senior lawyer made the demands in a statement issued on Monday titled, "These Deaths Must Not Be Swept Under the Carpet."
"The right to life is the most basic human right. Without it, other rights cannot be enjoyed by any person. On account of the sanctity of human life, the following cases of suspicious deaths must be thoroughly investigated," Falana said.
Falana expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, whose unclad body was found on June 27, 2026, in a room at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Although Umahi has denied any foul play, insisting that Habila had an existing medical condition and that the incident was reported to the police, Falana questioned the manner in which the case has been handled.
He accused the minister of contaminating the crime scene by handling the deceased's phone after her death.
"Even though the Minister has denied any foul play or cover-up, stating she had an existing medical condition and that the matter was reported to the police, the minister contaminated the scene of the incident by handling her phone to speak with her boyfriend.
"In a sworn affidavit, the father of the deceased rejected an autopsy and requested the release of the body for burial. While the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have turned down the request of the father of the deceased, they have failed to explain the delay in carrying out the autopsy."
Falana said the circumstances surrounding Habila's death have made the matter one of public interest rather than a private family affair.
"The death of any citizen in suspicious circumstances is not a family affair. In view of the controversy surrounding the unfortunate death of Mary Habila, the Inspector-General of Police should take over the investigation. We equally call on the Nigerian Medical Association to ensure that the autopsy is conducted without any further delay."
Falana also demanded an independent investigation into the death of Babatunde Dolapo Tanimola, whom the Presidency recently identified as a principal suspect in the alleged establishment of a fake government agency.
According to him, although the police maintained that Tanimola died in a hotel fire in Abuja on October 22, 2025, and said the death was verified through hospital and mortuary records, interviews with relatives, the hotel proprietor and burial documents, several critical questions remain unanswered.
"As the source of the suspicious fire was being questioned in the media, it was reported that the hotel has since been demolished. Whoever authorised the demolition of the hotel must have set out to cover up the alleged fire incident."
Falana argued that because the ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into the alleged fake government agency does not cover Tanimola's death, the Inspector-General of Police should immediately assume responsibility for investigating the case.
The senior advocate also welcomed the Nigeria Police Force's decision to investigate 30 suspected politically motivated killings linked to the build-up to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
He, however, urged the Osun State Attorney-General to ensure that all suspects arrested in connection with the killings are prosecuted without delay.
"We call on the Attorney-General of Osun State to ensure that the murder suspects are charged before the High Court."
Falana further reminded authorities that the Coroner Laws of Ebonyi State, Osun State and the Federal Capital Territory mandate inquests into all sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious deaths.
He called on the media and the public to continue demanding accountability.
"The media should therefore join the demand for the investigation of the aforementioned cases of suspicious deaths. They must not be swept under the carpet."